Wavelength Proton, M2Tech Young, or others -- recommendations thoughts appreciated

[KOWHeigel]

Hello everyone. I am considering upgrading my digital audio world. I am currently using a HRT Music Streamer II and a Schiit Modi. I have previously used W4S Dac 1 and Schiit Bifrost. My transport will be a Pogoplug E02 running archlinux and using squeezelite as the player (SBT clone). I have two amps (depending on the system) that I use. A Primaluna Prologue 2 and a Creek 5350se. The Primaluna is paired with Dynaudio Excite X12's while the Creek is hooked up to a pair of ADS L880's.

 

With the recent price reduction in the dac's listed in my title I am thinking about making the plunge in a little higher end digital sound. I was hoping to hear from anyone who has owned either of these dac's and preferably both (a longshot I know) and what your impressions were/are. I would also recommend anyone other recommenations for DAC's under $750.00.

 

My listening preference would be something that sounds more like analog (I know this is cliched). I have a ton of digital music but I find myself almost exclusively listening to my records for the past couple of years. Although I don't see my record playing changing drastically I would like to get my digital front end closer to my analog set up. For analog I have a VPI Scout w/ a ATC 09/MLii, Dynavector 10x5, Musical Surroundings Phonomena II, DIY MC stage AD797 (from AK).

 

Thanks!

[Paul R]

The Proton will not disappoint you, though you must be careful to set the Proton's volume to 90% and leave it there for static use. The last 10% is for headphones, and will overpower standard analog inputs.

 

If analog is what you really like, you might want to grab a listen to the Rega DAC. I personally do not like it, but other folks rave about it, and it definitely has a different kind of sound. Analog and very liquid. It lists for $995, but you can find it discounted.

 

The Peachtree DAC*IT is totally impressive, and comes in at under $500. The newest model has 24/192K Asynch USB built in. I run one of these off an optical connection and it produces some really great and listenable sound. I am not sure I would describe it as analog, but really really good.

 

There are a lot more of course, you are in for one very fun ride indeed.

[KOWHeigel]

Thanks Paul.

 

My concern with the Rega has always been its usb limitation. I know that I can buy a USB-to-spdif/coax converter but that idea is not that appealing to me and of course adds extra cost. I was also considering the Simaudio 100D because of its now low cost but the same USB limitation applies.

 

I will have to look into the Peachtree DAC IT.

[Paul R]

For Peachtree, if you are looking at USB, make sure it is the DAC*ITx model. That's where the 24/192K Asynch USB was added.

-Paul

 

Thanks Paul.

 

My concern with the Rega has always been its usb limitation. I know that I can buy a USB-to-spdif/coax converter but that idea is not that appealing to me and of course adds extra cost. I was also considering the Simaudio 100D because of its now low cost but the same USB limitation applies.

 

I will have to look into the Peachtree DAC IT.

[mav52]

Not under $750 but close Resonessence CONCERO HD and the TEAC UD-501 also the Meridian Director DAC $699