Page 1 of 2

Small form factor Amp/DAC suggestions

Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 5:27 pm
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

Re: Small form factor Amp/DAC suggestions

Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 7:24 pm
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.

Re: Small form factor Amp/DAC suggestions

Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 9:39 pm
by mcq
The Bel Canto C5i might be a contender.  £1800stg from highendcable.co.uk.

http://www.belcantodesign.com/Belcanto_ ... ifier.html

Re: Small form factor Amp/DAC suggestions

Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 10:56 pm
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

Re: Small form factor Amp/DAC suggestions

Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2014 1:54 pm
by jaybee
bel canto would be lovely, would mean selling my diamond shoes though,..,

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


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Re: Small form factor Amp/DAC suggestions

Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2014 4:14 pm
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?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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.

Re: Small form factor Amp/DAC suggestions

Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2014 5:49 pm
by jaybee
I always have thought frugal high performance is really impressive in a way that cost no object can't touch....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Re: Small form factor Amp/DAC suggestions

Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2014 7:03 pm
by tony
jaybee wrote:I'd always heard Cyrus gear was very lean sounding?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I think that is an auld wifes tale. Cloneys have some cyrus gear so you can test that theory

Re: Small form factor Amp/DAC suggestions

Posted: Fri Nov 21, 2014 7:36 pm
by james
https://www.naimaudio.com/product/unitiqute-2

Image

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

James

Re: Small form factor Amp/DAC suggestions

Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2014 1:50 pm
by jaybee
hadn't really thought about streamers as I find the odd dropout in AirPlay when using the Zeppelin frustrating....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk