Bhagwan, have you heard the Z DAC ? Do you recommend it because of Parasound's reputation or have you heard it yourself?
My reason for asking is that I have been looking for a USB DAC myself since the past 1 year and am pretty confused myself....
I have narrowed my choices to a Schiit Gungnir, M2Tech Young, W4Sound DAC 1, Naim V1 but just cannot decide....
Sir,
As a policy - always remember - If I recommend a product - it is based on my listening - I will never go by hear say or a review or any such thing.
Thomas Holm is known to me.
He has designed this DAC for Parasound.
He has also designed the DAC for Jeff Rowland.
He is a very respected Digital Engineer.
His Holm Processor I have used @ my house - in my system & hold it in very high regard.
This Z Dac has been designed to a price point.
Therefore it is not an 'assault'
However, @ 500/- US$ it is a stonker product imho.
This is a DAC that can take the fight home to a 1K US $ DAC.
Gives your Balanced Analogue Out too - at this price it is not seen elsewhere.
If one is to play the computer audio game - this is a great product to mate with a Lap Top. Foobar or J River 19 & you are home - single machine I5 processor - Win 8 + 8GB Ram & shut down most non essential windows functions & you are 75 % way home - that too in a good [reasonable] budget.
I recommend this DAC - difficult to beat @ Rs. 30/- K
Go for it !
Disclaimer :-
This is my suggestion - based on my listening & preferences.
Others may or may not like this sound - please do audition before purchase.
This is a DAC I HAVE NOT Heard;
However, it has been doing the rounds on a +ve note..
http://schiit.com/products/gungnir
Do consider it too.
However, it is 850/- US $'s abroad - Landed will be 1000/- ++ I assume.
While the Z is delivered in India @ 30/- K [I think] & carries Dealer Support etc. too.