Comments on possible system

Hi everybody,

For the last few years I've been using a crappy old mini hi fi system to power my computer audio and dream of a day when I could afford to buy a better system. That day has finally come and I have a budget of about $1000-1500. I was thinking of getting either a NAD C315BEE or C325BEE and matching it with some monitor audio BR2s. I went the the store the other day and they sounded great together. So I was wondering what sort of DAC would fit best into this semi-budget system, the ability to plug into my Airport express would be an advantage but not important. Any comments or Recommendations on the rest of the system would also be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Tom

Hi Tom - Welcome to Computer Audiophile. I think you should take a serious look at the Stello DA100 Signature or regular DA100. I reviewed the DA100 Signature and I'm betting it would be really nice for your system. Plus it has many inputs that give you options for current and future connectivity.

I just upgraded from a desktop radio to my first home audio system. I looked at a lot of different options, including the NAD amps you mentioned, but had a lot of trouble finding the right combination of electronics, sound quality and budget. The amp/speaker combinations I did like would have kept me from being able to afford a DAC. Since my computer is the only source I use, it was absolutely necessary for me to have a decent DAC, preamp and amplifier. In the end, I settled on the Peachtree Audio Decco: http://www.signalpathint.com/index.php/decco/decco.html . I couldn’t find anything that could compete with it, for the money. Keep in mind, there is an advantage to having the DAC, preamp and amplifier all in the same box: you can put that money you would have spent on interconnects towards better speakers!

Hey ehrawn - I've heard great things about the Decco and I was supposed to review it for TONE Audio Magazine, but other things got in the way. Thanks for the post with your opinion on the unit.

Hi again,

That Decco system looks Pretty impressive . Unfortunately it seems to be only Available in the States. Probably should have mentioned I live in Australia. My mistake but thanks for the ideas. I will however, try to get one over here, but to my horror the aussie dollar has slipped nearly 20% in the last month or so, making things for the USA seem less attractive than they once did. please keep the ideas coming, while I work out the issues I may have importing such a product. Thanks again for the fast and helpful replies.

Cheers,

Tom

I must be one of least qualified to give audio advice on this site, but I have been searching DAC's for awhile now, and the mhdt Paradisea and Havana DAC owners sure seem to be pretty happy with their purchases. If you do an internet search, you will find lots of talk, comparasons, and reviews. The cost is very reasonable, and I found little to no negative feedback about these units for the price.