AudioStream's Greatest Bits

By Michael Lavorgna • Posted: Sep 17, 2012

AudioStream's Greatest Bits is our version of Recommended Components. This list is culled from every piece of gear that we've reviewed to date and represents those components that stand apart in their ability to deliver a musically satisfying experience. This list is divided into Classes (A-C) which represent levels of performance where components in Class A will outperform components in Class B and so on. To get an idea of how components within a class compare to each other, we recommend reading their associated reviews to get a detailed description of their sonic characteristics. That said, we believe that any product included on this list will offer a degree of performance that convincingly conveys the musical message.

There is also a Retired Class for those components that are either no longer available or have been removed from the list for other reasons which will be specified in their associated description. The prices listed are current as of the date of this listing, 4.29.2013.

Digital to Analog Converters

Class A

	Auralic Vega Digital Audio Processor, $3,500.00 To say that I was wowed by the Auralic Vega is an understatement. "Its ability to turn music reproduction into an engaging and thrilling musical experience is simply stunning. Offering up to DXD and 2x DSD playback, the AURALiC Vega has everything going for it that a DAC should and then some." Read the Full Review
	Light Harmonic Da Vinci DAC, $20,000.00 Steve Plaskin wrote, "I feel that the Da Vinci represents a significant advancement in digital reproduction. Its strengths are easy to identify and a joy to listen to. Listening to the Da Vinci was addicting as it allowed me to enjoy music for hours on end without fatigue. Anyone looking for a world-class DAC, regardless of price, owes it to themselves to audition the Da Vinci." Read the Full Review
	MSB Technology The Analog DAC, $6,995.00 (as reviewed) Steve Plaskin wrote, "For those of us that have enjoyed this hobby over many years, there are a few products that come along in one’s audiophile life that leave a lasting impression on the listener. The Analog DAC is one of those products. It not only reproduces music with excellent detail and focus, but is one of the most natural sounding DACs I have ever heard." Read the Full Review
	Resonessence Labs Invicta DAC, $3,995.00 The Resonessence Labs Invicta DAC rang most of my listening preferences bells & whistles like a champ. I found it neither too hot, nor too cold. "Which is to say if you're looking for a DAC (and preamp and dual headphone amp) to connect you to your music in a wonderfully transparent and engrossing way, I would point you to the Resonnessence Labs Invicta without reserve or hesitation." There, I said it again. Read the Full Review

Class B

	Chord Electronics Chordette QuteHD (DSD) DAC, $1,795.00 The Chord's way with CD-quality 16/44.1 music was a real eye and ear opener, "lifting 16/44.1 performance to near-HD heights". Add DSD playback, up to 24/192 PCM via USB and 32/384kHz playback via Coax S/PDIF and you've got one lovely package. Read the Full Review
	Halide Design DAC HD, $450.00 I really enjoyed my time with the Halide DAC HD when I reviewed it back in November when it cost $550. Halide has since lowered the price but left everything else the same making for one heck of a nice package. The DAC HD struck me as one smooth operator without giving anything away in terms of resolution or detail and it comes with cables on both ends to boot. "I would also say the DAC HD is awesome" is what I said to Jonathan Driscoll, Halide's President / CTO in an email exchange we had after he'd read my review and I think that sums things up nicely. Read the Full Review
	Mytek Stereo192-DSD DAC, $1,695.00 Don't let that DSD fool ya—the Stereo192-DSD DAC can have its way with regular old PCM and that way is all-natural 100% music. Give it some time to settle in and loosen up and the Mytek becomes an omnivorous music-loving machine. Includes digital and analog volume control, a host of inputs including Firewire, and did I mention it kills with DSD? Read the Full Review
	Simple Design Sonore/exD DAC, $1,295.00 The Sonore/exD asynchronous USB DAC delivers two treats in one—rich, full and tasty PCM playback up to 24/192 and native DSD playback to die for (more or less). "I think the Sonore/exD DAC is a real winner." Read the Full Review
	Teac UD-501 Dual-Monaural PCM/DSD USB Digital to Analog Converter, $849.00 The Teac UD-501 delivers PCM, DXD, and DSD and it does so, so musically, and it does so for $849. "For those looking for a DSD-capable DAC without the need for preamplifier functionality but with the need for addictively engaging music, the Teac UD-501 comes very highly recommended." Read the Full Review
	Wadia Digital 121Decoding Computer, $1,299.00 The Wadia 121Decoding Computer nearly had me at hello. Here's what I said in the review, "The 121 passed every test I threw at it with flying colors including the did-I-sing-along test (yes), the did-I-feel-sad test (yes), the ever-embarrassing to admit did-I-dance test (yes), and the most important of all the did-I-play test (Oh yea)." With a total of five inputs, single-ended and balanced outputs, and a headphone jack, Wadia has stuffed a lot of their engineering prowess into a nice package. Read the Full Review

Class C

	Asus Xonar Essence One MUSES Edition, $899.00 Offering 24/192 playback on all inputs including Asynchronous USB, Coax and Tosklink S/PDIF, single-ended and balanced outputs, and a very nice preamplifier and headphone amp, the MUSES is a budget-priced powerhouse. If you like your music served up mid-range rich and liquidy smooth, the Asus Xonar Essence One MUSES Edition may be for you. Read the Full Review
	AudioQuest Dragonfly, $249.00 The AudioQuest Dragonfly started a whole new category of DACs, namely the ultra-small form-factor. Capable of delivering up to 24/96 data via its asynchronous USB input, the very bright Dragonfly also offers software-controlled analog volume which makes it a perfect partner for powered desktop speakers while also an obvious choice as a portable player and headphone amp. Read the Full Review
	iFi iDAC, $299.00 The iFi iDAC and iUSBPower take their technology from Abbington Music Research's (AMR) pricier electronics and wraps them into small, affordable packages. The little iDAC is a mid-range rich, 24/192-capable tone monster and the iUSBPower makes it better. Read the Full Review
	Meridian Explorer USB DAC, $299.00 The Meridian Explorer USB DAC can handle up to 24/192 data and offers both fixed and variable headphone outputs. Small enough to fit in your pocket yet it packs one helluva musical punch. "I found the Explorer served music exceedingly well and very nicely balanced. This presentation means a focus on the music, which is exactly where we want to be." Read the Full Review

Integrated Amp/DACs

Class B

Peachtree Audio Grand Integrated X-1 Amplifier, $4,499.00
The Grand Integrated packs a lot into its rugged aluminum-clad package including one heck of a punch. With 400 watts of power into 8 ohms and 600 into 4, a 24/192-capable DAC, Asynchronous USB and S/PDIF inputs, line level inputs, an optionally tube-buffered preamp, and a headphone amp, those looking for a one-box solution may have found their mate, "For those people looking to simplify without giving up on performance, I believe the folks at Peachtree have given you one difficult product to pass by." Read the Full Review

USB-S/PDIF Converters

Class B

Bel Canto uLink USB-S/PDIF Converter, $675.00
The uLink is Bel Canto 's middle USB-S/PDIF Converter in terms of price and I'll assume performance. If you need to connect to your non-USB DAC and want to play back up 24/192 files, the uLink comes highly recommended and is one smooth customer. Read the Full Review

Class C

Musical Fidelity V-Link192, $249.00
The Musical Fidelity V-Link192 is a no-brainer choice for people looking to play back up to 24/192 files through DACs that do not have a 24/192-capable USB input. "The V-Link192 provides the means of connecting to and enjoying the world of file-based playback for a relatively modest sum and it does so while handing off a clean and full-bodied sound to your DAC of choice". Read the Full Review

Network Players & Streamers

Class B

Pioneer Elite N-50 Network Audio Player, $699.00
The Pioneer Elite N-50 offers a lot of features and performance for your hard-earned buck. The N-50 is a UPnP/DLNA Network Player so you can stream from your Network Attached Storage or Hard Drive via Ethernet or Wi-Fi or Airplay and it also includes an asynchronous USB DAC so you can connect your computer and stream away. "There's a world of music out there, waiting, and the Pioneer N-50 can bring it all back home". Read the Full Review

T+A MP 1260 R DAC/Network Client, $4,200.00
The T+A MP 1260 R is one solid performer and its user-selectable filters let you tailor the sound to your source and to your liking. Since I reivewed the T+A, the remote app has been finalized and I got to see it in action and its what I hoped it would be—fun and functional. "I find the T+A MR 1260 R's way with music rock solid and satisfying." Read the Full Review

Retired

Logitech Squeezebox Touch, $299.00
The Squeezebox Touch was one of the most-loved network players around. For reasons unknown Logitech decided to discontinue it which puts it on the Retired list even though it's still a great Streamer. Read the Full Review

Storage & Network Attached Storage (NAS)

Retired

Synology DiskStation DS212, $300.00/diskless
The Synology DS212 is a 2-bay NAS that's very nicely built and very easy to use due to its excellent interface. The DS212 has been replaced by the DS213 which I would recommend even without an in-home audition. Read the Full Review

Desktop Speakers

Class A

Focal Professional Solo6 Be, $1,350.00/each
The Focal Solo6 Be are big, bold, and beautiful. Rated at 40Hz - 40kHz with a 150W rms, BASH® amp for the midbass/bass driver and a 100W rms class A/B amp for the treble, these bad boys max out at 113dB SPL (peak @ 1m). So yea, they work really well as nearfield desktop earth movers. If you can fit 'em and afford 'em, you'll want to try 'em. Read the Full Review

Class B

ADAM Professional Audio A3X, $329.00/each
My sneaking suspicion paid off. The ADAM ARTists 3's sound captivated me, especially their X-ART (eXtended Accelerating Ribbon Technology) tweeter but I felt the paired down functionality (and price) of the A3Xs would float my boat better. And they did. Just add DAC and you have a desktop that'll drive you to musical distraction. The ADAM A3Xs have joined my permanent collection and they entertain me daily. Read the Full Review

Focal Professional CMS 40, $425/each
The CMS 40s offered up a nice, clean, and clear full-bodied sound. "Combined with a very pleasant and natural-sounding amount of detail, resolution, and dynamic slam, the CMS 40s deliver your music so you can inspect it, enjoy it, or both." Read the Full Review

Class C

Audioengine 5+ (A5+) Premium Powered Speakers, $399.00/pair in Satin Black or Hi-Gloss White, $469.00/pair Solid Carbonized Bamboo
Four hundred bucks buys you a lot of musical enjoyment with the Audioengine 5+. Well made (I dig the Bamboo) and they come with everything you need to get going. You can always add a DAC at some point if you want to add to your musical enjoyment. Read the Full Review

PSB Alpha PS1 Powered Speaker, $299/pair
The PSB Alpha PS1 powered desktop speakers deliver some crisp, clear, and clean musical mojo. They sound fun and fit on their own and even better when you add your DAC-of-choice. Read the Full Review

Cables & Accessories

Class A

	Audioquest Diamond USB Cable, $695.00/1.5m The Audioquest Diamond is a detailed but smooth sounding USB cable that presents a large soundstage with excellent imaging. See the Full Review
	Synergistic Research USB Active SE Cable with Enigma Tuning Circuits, $595.00/1m; Upgrade Active Shield Power Supply-Galileo MPC $400.00 The Synergistic Research USB Active SE cable delivers a rich analog-like midrange with excellent detail top to bottom. The Enigma Tuning Circuits prove a means for fine tuning the cable to get the best sonic performance from your DAC. See the Full Review
	The Synergistic Research Tranquility Base, $995.00 to $2,995.00 The Synergistic Research Tranquility Base has become an indispensable tool for reviewing DACs. The Tranquility Base improves the sound of computers and DACs placed on it in a natural and uncolored fashion. The Base also doubles as an isolation platform with its multiple layer design and the MIG feet supplied. See the Full Review
	Wireworld Platinum Starlight USB Cable, 599.95/1m The Wireworld Platinum Starlight USB cable offers outstanding performance especially in its ability to render detail, dynamics and focus. The cable is fast sounding with excellent control of the bass. See the Full Review

Class B

AudioQuest Cinnamon RJ/E (Ethernet) Cable, $$69.00/.75m
The AudioQuest Ethernet cables are the cause of much controversy. But if we suspend disbelief long enough to listen, those people sending their precious music over Ethernet will hear sonic gains with the Cinnamon even if the reasons why that's the case are not readily apparent. Read the Full Review

Class C

iFi iUSBPower, $199.00
The iUSBPower can also improve the sound of other USB DACs, just how much will depend on the DAC in question but at $199 I'd say its worth a try. Read the Full Review

Comments

Updates

Submitted by JIMIXY on April 30, 2013 - 7:41am.

Any way this page can be updated to include all the recent greatest bits?

Regards

Done.

Submitted by Michael Lavorgna on April 30, 2013 - 8:47am.

Your comment preceeded the update by minutes.

Cool, Thanks

Submitted by JIMIXY on April 30, 2013 - 12:16pm.

Cool, Thanks

Seems like Auralic is

Submitted by labjr on April 30, 2013 - 12:56pm.

Seems like Auralic is redefining "good value".

The only flaw I've read about is that it's volume control doesn't quite eliminate the best preamps.

Thanks for the update

Submitted by highstream on May 22, 2013 - 5:51pm.

A useful comparison with the Adam A3X would be the Emotiva airmotiv 4, which is virtually the same size but sells for about half the price (and is often on sale for less than half). Worth swapping out the airmotiv's fuses for those German ones though. Before I decided on them, I trialed the PS1's, which I think your review has captured quite well.

Another dac worth taking a listen to is John Kerry's new Ciunas, known in earlier incarnations as JKDAC. This is a USB unit, although he also sells a SPDIF-USB converter separately. I've found his advice to skip the USB cable and connect the dac directly to the computer's USB port via an adapter or two to be worthwhile.