Studies

Scott, I have read a lot about the latest DACs, and found a lot on the Beresford Bushmaster DAC (100+ pages of forum discussions and reviews, and tests....). Seems it is very good, especially good if it is matched with a linear PSU though it does not seem to match well in some systems with valve amps. Some have labeled this dac a 'giant killer' because of its price. In any case it made my short list. Total cost: $400 ($230 for the DAC, $170 for the PSU) I have recently bought one, but have been slow to answer this threat because it has a long burnin time (200 hours seems to be recommended, and it does make a difference). Now that it is burned in, it seems very balanced, detailed highs without being harsh, authoritive base, and may be getting more 'open/spacious' over time. Note: burnin is needed – it was harsh to start! DAC Beresford TC-7520SEG DAC PSU to match Linear power supply for Beresford Bushmaster DAC [bOTWS12Vuk-Beresford Bushmaster] - £110.00 : Precision Audio Cables and Interconnects, Multiregion, Multizone Blu Ray Players and Professional Hifi Accessories, UK High Quality Audio Cables Shop (they have ones for US voltage) The whole big forum with reviews and discussion: Beresford Bushmaster DAC Reviews - The Art of Sound Forum Note: The Bushmaster does not have a USB input- if that is important you would need a USB to Toshlink converter, like this one: Computer Audiophile - Bel Canto Design uLink USB to S/PDIF Converter Review

I have just learned that this information is misleading. Yes this is the apple optical output 'technical' specifications. However, the optical out max speed is 24bit/96khz, It seems that the limitation is in the OS X - and it is currently the same for all Macs currently (as of April 2013) Here is a discussion on the topic: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3845781?start=0&tstart=0 I have confirmed this with Mac Mini users... Still 24/96 is pretty good! better than CD (which is 16/44). so most will not mind. If you are keen on 24/192 - then some have recommended this solution: Amazon.com: M2TECH hiFace Hi-End S/SPDIF Output Interface with RCA connector - EHIFACER: Computers & Accessories Hope that helps, and clarifies the situation better. Sorry for the misinformation earlier ;(

John - let us know how this compares to the optical out -> dac (if that option is available to you). The V-link looks like a good review, so it would be interesting to see if this route, avoiding the optical out, is better. What also please fill us in on your overall system when comparing. Thanks.

I have been looking into this subject - for the same reason, maybe i will buy one to use as an music server. There are several reviews out there that indicate the New (late 2012) Mac Mini optical out is better than previous ones. Less jitter, and faster speed. here is some of what i have found: 1) optical out is fast enough: up to 24 bit 192 khz Mac mini (Late 2012): External ports and connectors The headphone/line out port accommodates digital optical audio output, analog audio output with a 24-bit, 44.1-192 kHz D/A converter, digital audio output up to 24-bit stereo and 44.1-192 kHz sampling rate and supporting encoded digital audio output (AC3 and DTS). For analog headphone / line output, use a standard audio cable with 3.5mm metal plug. For digital audio, you can use Apple iPhone headset with microphone or a standard TOSLINK cable with a TOSLINK mini-plug adapter. 2) improved jitter and other performance (note for the 2011 mac mini - assumining the 2012 version is not worse) audio-talk :: View topic - Mac Mini as a Music Server S/N at 16 bit is 92dB unweighted And at 24 bit is 144dB Signal related jitter measures 15 pS And random jitter measures around 10pS Bart - if i were you, i would use the optical out on the mac mini and buy a Beresford Bushmaster DAC. I have read many reviews on all the Dacs (many 'days' of reading here) at a reasonable price, and hi price as well - and come to this conclusion myself. I have just ordered the Bushmaster and a digital ipod doc - and if that works out as planned i will add another Bushmaster to the Airport Express in the bedroom, and then buy the Mac Mini to use as an allaround music server. The digital doc surprised me - this is the obvious missing part of the puzzle. This solved a problem i have had for years, "how to get quality out of ipods" - but even the hifi shops i visited didnt know them (maybe you were luckier!). If you have some extra money and want to upgrade the quality- then buy the linear power supplies available for the Bushmaster (and if you have lots you can do the same for the Mac Mini) For the long version of Bushmaster reviews, try this: Beresford Bushmaster DAC Reviews - The Art of Sound Forum From what i have read, i would not pay more for a DAC.

G, im not sure you have covered all the alternatives, if I could suggest a few others 4. Jitter impact - perhaps (for many reasons) your source may have more jitter than the dacs can moderate - the results can be that the dacs can sound the same even when one may be substanially better. 5. Interconnects - even if your ic s brands are fine - in some cases you may have a damaged one - this can lead to audio impacts (eg more jitter) 6 overall system matching - some components just don't work well together -a great dac and a great tube amp may be 1+1 is < 2 - this may be skewing your results No real answers but a few questions...