Help please - which DAC would work with a 32.5 + 250 + Linn Sara Isobarik

Posted by: Misterc98 on 05 December 2016

Hello,

Could anyone please offer any advice/suggestions/feedback on what would be a fab DAC to go with my 32.5 + 250 + Linn Sara Isobarik setup please. I have used an ifi NANO iDSD with my system but unfortunately one of the RCA sockets on this unit has failed so I need a new DAC and looking for a bit of an upgrade as well. I really liked the sound of the ifi which I would describe as quite a 'warm' sounding DAC.

I was looking at the Schiit Audio Bifrost Multibit + Wyrd but have been advised that this DAC/Schiit Audio products would be 'too bright' and not compatible with my setup as its quite old and the 32.5 isn't that kind to new digital sources. 

I have a budget of up to £800, if anyone could offer advice I'd really appreciate it.

Kind regards,
Richard

Posted on: 05 December 2016 by hungryhalibut

Is this your main source? Bear in mind that back in the day the 32.5, 250 and Sara would have been used with a top turntable source, so an £800 Dac really isn't of the right quality. I'd up the budget a little and look at a used nDac. 

Posted on: 05 December 2016 by Misterc98

Sorry I should have said my source is my iPhone through a camera kit USB into a powered hub/wyrd then into my 32.5. £800 is the very maximum I could go to, but I really appreciate your advice & reply! 

Posted on: 05 December 2016 by hungryhalibut

It seems an odd source for a 250 and Saras but it's always good to be unconventional. How about the little Chord Mojo Dac? The only challenge will be its high output that will make the volume control on the 32 very sensitive. Maybe you could remedy that by picking up some of the variable input boards that Naim used to make. I suspect a used Hugo would be over budget, but it's a better Dac and has a variable output. 

Posted on: 05 December 2016 by Misterc98

What about a used DAC v1?

Posted on: 05 December 2016 by Brilliant
Misterc98 posted:

What about a used DAC v1?

Good idea that - with current firmware 1.16 it should be a lovely match!

Posted on: 11 December 2016 by Misterc98

Collected my V1 now and setup with my 32.5. WOW what a great piece of kit, lovely musical sound...typical Naim = exceptional audio, now going through my musical collection for a new experience....... A friend advised me to use a mac mini as the source in the longer term which I think is the route I am going to go down, but for now this is AMAZING! Thanks so much for everyones advice/comments on this forum, very much appreciated! 

Posted on: 12 December 2016 by ianrobertm

Nice to see a positive response.... Advice followed, good result, happy OP.

Whatever next.....?  

Posted on: 12 December 2016 by bluedog

"Schiit Audio" - Really? - I had to double-check we hadn't fast forwarded to April 1st

Treat yourself to an LP12 mate - be a bit more than £800 though