Looking for a new usb DAC.

I recently acquired a Cambridge Audio azur 640a which I replaced my receiver with for two channel audio. At the time I was using my receivers dac via optical out to my creative x-fi usb surround to my computer. Now thats all moved to the living room for demo preparation I'm connected via analog to my x-fi which then uses its dac which sucks.

Preferably under $300 would be great.

I was looking at some of the following:

Musiland Monitor 2
MisterX built Gamma 2
HRT Musicstreamer+
Cambridge DACMagic (Used for $300)
LittleDot DAC_I
Oritek V4

All my music streams from Pandora (high quality) or FLAC/Apple Lossess.

It does not REALLY have to be USB as some of the ones listed aren't. I can continue to use my creative x-fi surround for optical/toslink connection to my computer.

http://www.acoustic-fun.com/catalog/...products_id=31

try the KECES DA-151 Mk2

here is the head-fi review

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f46/re...s-burn-297021/

Reviews look promising. I wonder how much the socket upgrades will affect the unit.

misterx built me a combo gamma lite dac and mini3 amp (it has a preamp out for my monitors)
and i love it
can't recommend his workmanship and professionalism enough

the Cambridge DACMagic does sound good, is well regarded and will match your CA amp.
Maybe you can test listen to one in a audio store near you ??

The Audio-GD DAC200 is worth a look too imo.
I own a Audio-GD dac, and i can say only good things about them.
www.audio-gd.com/En%20audio-gd.htm

If you could go up to $375, the gamma2 y2 DAC is amazing. I had a benchmark DAC1 USB > Audio-GD C2C to my HD600s, then tried a gamma2, sold the benchmark, and am waiting to hear back from misterx about the build.

Originally Posted by zerodeefex

If you could go up to $375, the gamma2 y2 DAC is amazing. I had a benchmark DAC1 USB > Audio-GD C2C to my HD600s, then tried a gamma2, sold the benchmark, and am waiting to hear back from misterx about the build.

Just curious do you simply email him directly with what you want and a quote? Now I'm very interested hehe.

I wonder where MisterX got the face plates and slotted tops for that Hammond case. I'm looking to build a CK2III and a Gamma1, but the stock plates on the 1455T2202 look like ass, and the case is not ventilated.

The silver/black theme is what I'd like to aim for, but getting custom plates engraved/cut is expensive. I'd really, really like to not spend $30 on a plate, just to have all the holes a couple millimeters off. Also, silk screening/engraving.

As a side note, if you build your own DAC, a Gamma1 is about $100 in parts (including the case). I think a Gamma2 would push it up to $150 or 200, but I'm not sure.

A CK2III should be around $150, if you're looking for an amplifier. A M3 would probably run closer to $200 or over.

Maverick Audio Tube Magic DAC has me super intrigued. Same as the Grand Fidelity DAC but half the price? Hmmm...