I've had my eye on the Stello DACs from April Music for some time now. When April released the Stello DA100 Signature DAC I knew it was time to get one in here for review. The Signature DAC is loaded with inputs. I love DACs that give audiophiles options via five different digital inputs. These options are critically important as people begin trying different methods of integrating computers into their audio systems. Along with the numerous input options, there is one feature that all the Computer Audiophile readers have been clamoring for, upsample bypass!
Bryston is now shipping its highly anticipated BDA-1 DAC. This DAC has a plethora of inputs including USB and just about every other input you may need. The BDA-1 will please many "purists" who don't care for upsamping. This DAC includes the ability to disengage the upsampling feature. The BDA-1 could be the best of both worlds for those looking to upsample on some material and let other material pass through untouched. Read more for all the information straight from James Tanner of Bryston.
I just received some photos of the highly anticipated Audio Research DAC7. I'm helping dispel the myth that audiophiles have no sense of humor by displaying the back of the unit on the front page considering the title of the article says "...Shows Its Face." Of course better pictures are available by clicking the link.
It has been almost two months since I first reviewed the PS Audio Digital Link III DAC. In the time since that review I continued listening to the DLIII in between other DACs that have come and gone. My listening sessions lately have really been fun and I've managed to squeeze every bit of sound quality possible out of the DLIII. If you're wondering how I pulled a little something extra out of the DLIII, think full resolution 24/96 & DVD-Audio.
High-End audio writers have always been masters of subjectivity. Avoiding direct comparisons and an unwillingness to brand one product the "clear" victor over another are par for the audiophile course. This style of writing can leave readers feeling a little cheated and wondering what the writer really thinks. While this may seem frustrating it is a good thing much of the time. Declaring a component the clear cut winner may unjustly prejudice a readers opinion and lead him down a delusional purchasing path while unfairly harming the manufacturers of the "losing" products. I try to steer clear of absolute terms like best, worst, never, nobody, always, everybody. A major reason is I rarely hear something so good or so bad that an absolute statement is appropriate. I can recall the best complete audio system I've ever heard. A pair of Wilson Audio Maxx 2 speakers with all Audio Research components. That decision was a no-brainer. Now it's time to crown another Best. The Best DAC I've ever heard in a computer based audio system. The Weiss Engineering Minerva is definitely THE Best.
The Fubar II is probably the simplest piece of audio gear you'll ever hook up. I know this is very important for many of you slowly coming over to the world of music servers and computer based audio. To get good sound from the Fubar II USB DAC just plug it in to your laptop and your preamp or amp and your done. There are no drivers to install and no special software programs to make it work as designed. If your looking for a basic DAC or a simple DAC to connect to the cabin stereo system you should really check out the Fubar II USB DAC.
I've been a fan of PS Audio ever since PSA released the the P300 Power Plant. I'll admit I wasn't all that familiar with the PS Audio products before the P300. My local PS Audio dealer kept telling me about the P300 and how much everyone of his customers loved it. My dealer tried to get me to take one home for the weekend. After explaining that none of his customers had ever brought one back after a weekend audition I had to decline to offer. I didn't have the cash at the time and the last thing I needed was a component that would leave my system sounding subpar upon its removal. So, the P300 put PS Audio on my personal map.
The DAC by Devilsound is a one of a kind product. It's a USB cable, digital / analog converter, and an analog RCA cable all in one piece. Excellent sound quality, reasonable price, and absolutely simple to use. If you're looking for a DAC with these specs and qualities the Devilsound Digital Audio Cable is just the product for you. This DAC simultaneously brings you into the future of audio playback while taking you back to simpler times when a couple pairs of RCA cables were all you needed. If you have an open USB port and an open set of RCA inputs in your audio system you owe it to yourself to take a serious look at the Devilsound DAC.
Computer Audiophile member "SGB" sent me this one. A tube amp with USB DAC! This would make a very cool office / desktop system. The price is very good as well, $790! Read more for details.
I was recently tipped off that there is some USB information in the latest Musical Fidelity X-Canv8 manual. Some of our readers have already mentioned information similar to this, but it is solid info and not readily apparent to many audiophiles. The new X-Canv8 is a headphone amp with USB input as well as analog in/output. I find it rather weird that the "word" DAC is only mentioned once in the manual, only under the software configuration paragraph for OS X. It really seems like Musical Fidelity is keeping the DAC part of this unit under wraps and not advertising the capability. MF doesn't even say what DAC is inside or if it does or doesn't do 24/96 (doubtful). If you're looking for a new headphone amp with a built-in USB DAC this might be an option for you, but I can't recommend it with such limited information. Read more for some good USB suggestions and information.
