Small form factor Amp/DAC suggestions

jaybee
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Joined: Thu Jan 21, 2010 11:33 am

Small form factor Amp/DAC suggestions

Post by jaybee »

As the title suggests, I'm looking for inspiration for an integrated dac/amp, its to partner a macmini and needs to drive well (SA 1750s or similar floorstanders) so I think some of the flea watters are out (the System Audio can be driven quite easily, but their eventual replcements may need more ooopmh)

Thus far I've seen, though not heard

Wadia 151 PowerDAC - this is top of the list, but getting it here from the states sans Import Duties may be a challenge!

nuForce DDA-100 - similar concept to the Wadia, but seems rare as hens teeth second hand, and is pricier than the current run out price on the Wadia, would match the macmini beautifully though

Centrance DACmini px - spot on match for the macmini

Peachtree Audio decco 65 - looks like very high WAF factor, especially in the rosewood finish

PS Audio Sprout - not sure if this has started shipping yet, lack of remote could be tolerated!

Anyone got any others they know of?

Fullsize (CA 651a, Rotel RA12, PM6005) are out from a space perspective, just too big for where it needs to go!

NAD d3020 might work, but its a bit meh looking!

Johnny
Brass Bands are all very well in their place -
outdoors and several miles away....
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Diapason
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Re: Small form factor Amp/DAC suggestions

Post by Diapason »

Should have asked me about the Wadia, Hazel was in the US last week and could have been a mule.

Edit: very happy with mine. Not that the speaker question is resolved yet.
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Sitting Room: Wadia 581SE - Rega Planar 3/AT VM95ML & SH - Bluesound Node II - Copland CSA 100 - Audioplan Kontrast 3
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mcq
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Re: Small form factor Amp/DAC suggestions

Post by mcq »

The Bel Canto C5i might be a contender.  £1800stg from highendcable.co.uk.

http://www.belcantodesign.com/Belcanto_ ... ifier.html
Gryphon Diablo 300, dCS Rossini (with matching clock), Kharma Exquisite Mini, Ansuz C2, Finite Elemente Master Reference.
tony
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Re: Small form factor Amp/DAC suggestions

Post by tony »

Something similar to the Bel Canto in terms of size,and with a 5star review from whathifi you can't go wrong! http://www.whathifi.com/cyrus/8-dac/review
GroupBuySD DAC/First Watt AlephJ/NigeAmp/Audio PC's/Lampi L4.5 Dac/ Groupbuy AD1862 DHT Dac /Quad ESL63's.Tannoy Legacy Cheviots.
jaybee
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Re: Small form factor Amp/DAC suggestions

Post by jaybee »

bel canto would be lovely, would mean selling my diamond shoes though,..,

I'd always heard Cyrus gear was very lean sounding?


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markof
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Re: Small form factor Amp/DAC suggestions

Post by markof »

jaybee wrote:bel canto would be lovely, would mean selling my diamond shoes though,..,

I'd always heard Cyrus gear was very lean sounding?


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I don't have personal experience of such a product but the Peachtree get's a lot of love over at Computer Audiophile - you could try a post there.

If you really want to keep your ruby slippers, maybe we should start a "Frugal Audiophile" thread for moderately-priced gear that punches well above it's weight.

Mark.
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jaybee
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Re: Small form factor Amp/DAC suggestions

Post by jaybee »

I always have thought frugal high performance is really impressive in a way that cost no object can't touch....


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tony
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Re: Small form factor Amp/DAC suggestions

Post by tony »

jaybee wrote:I'd always heard Cyrus gear was very lean sounding?


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I think that is an auld wifes tale. Cloneys have some cyrus gear so you can test that theory
GroupBuySD DAC/First Watt AlephJ/NigeAmp/Audio PC's/Lampi L4.5 Dac/ Groupbuy AD1862 DHT Dac /Quad ESL63's.Tannoy Legacy Cheviots.
james
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Re: Small form factor Amp/DAC suggestions

Post by james »

https://www.naimaudio.com/product/unitiqute-2

Image

naim all-in-one product
maybe cloney could arrange a demo ?

James
"Change is Possible" [Parking Meter in Dundrum Shopping Centre]
jaybee
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Re: Small form factor Amp/DAC suggestions

Post by jaybee »

hadn't really thought about streamers as I find the odd dropout in AirPlay when using the Zeppelin frustrating....


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