Price Paid:  $350.00 from Online Store

Summary:
This is for Parasound DAC 1600. I brought this unit from an online store. As soon as I hook it up, both my wife and myself can hear the differences. It is quiet, perhaps because I am using ST glass connector. The bass is deeper and more solid. The high and mid is clearer. It made my entire Hi-Fi system go even higher. I would say it is the best investment I have ever made.

Strengths:
Perfect on Hi, Mid and Low. HDCD is very nice especially using Reference Recording CDs. 4 inputs including XLR. 4 Blurr Brown chips really make a different.

Weaknesses:
I can find any.

Similar Products Used:
Camelot Arthur 3.0

Price Paid:  $700.00 from Audio Advisor

Summary:
This is for the D/AC-1600 HD, since I can't seem to find more than one product in this catagory from parasound, I will write it here. This product has allowed me to hear what i've been missing using my Rotel cd player. I just wish the hdcd format had more material. As soon as I hooked it up I heard things as never before and without knowing it my foot started tapping to the music. Also improved the soundstage and image.

Strengths:
hdcd play back is outstanding, regular cd's are much improved.

Weaknesses:
after 4 years, none.

Similar Products Used:
no outboard dacs besides this unit used

Price Paid:  $850.00 from Audio Advisor

Summary:
My best buy ever in an audio component. Got it 2 years ago in a Parasound clearance (Audio Advisor) for around $ 800, (vs. its list price of 2000). In short, an absolutely outstanding D/A converter, in a class of its own, and far superior to anything that I have heard before (or since). I agree that this converter achieves its design goals: to reach the maximum possible sound quality with the 16/44 medium (in fact, it is capable of 20/48).

Its sound ? Transparent highs, natural midrange, very deep bass, exceptional imaging, a dynamic yet delicate, "classy" sound that sets it apart from the crowd.

Not to be mated with a cheap player, however, it is very sensitive to "low quality" signals and will inmediately reveal weaknesess in the preceding component or source material. Will benefit (of course) from a good transport, one that can provide a clean, jitter free signal.

In addition, build quality is excellent and it has a full complement of I/O possibilities. I feed mine thru both its AES/EBU (preferred) and S/PDIF inputs.

I think it is very hard to beat at its price, (perhaps you can get one today for 500-600, a true steal) So if you see one, go for it ¡¡

Strengths:
Build quality
Sound quality
Flexibility

Weaknesses:
Not upgradeable to 24/96 ¡¡

Similar Products Used:
Audio Alchemy, Musical Fidelity X-24K, MSB link DAC, others

Price Paid:  $995.00 from Audio Advisor

Summary:
Superb implementation of a DAC designed to maximize the sound of 16/44 CDs. Even at original list of $2000 this was an excellent deal - competing with DACs in the $4000 to $6000 range. I directly compared it with a competing $3500 DAC and considered the Parasound a clear winner over it.

Biggest strength is the unit's phenomenal transparency and detail. This is not a unit that will appeal to those looking for a very smooth, rolled-off top end.

After you get through noticing all of the extra high frequency information on your CDs, then you will eventually notice how solid & well-defined your lows are. String bass is glorious, with each string hanging out there in your living room reverberating.

Instruments and voices sound very natural. It moved my system one step closer to sounding like live music. Dynamics are excellent too. Rock guitar, drums, and orchestra all have punch.

I've had a number of DACs and CD players in my system. Over the years the most consistent theme was in how they sounded so much alike, sometimes taking days to discern small, subtle differences. But when I hooked up the D/AC-2000, the effect was immediate and wonderful.

I picked mine up during the Parasound clearance, as they got out of the DAC market. Paid 50% of list and still got the full factory warranty.

Strengths:
Excellent resolution across full bandwidth, multiple inputs, build quality

Weaknesses:
Great detail can make poor CDs unlistenable

Similar Products Used:
Have used DACs from Audio Alchemy, Krell, Rotel, Proceed, Sonic Frontiers, and Audio Research

Summary:
Compared to a $4000 dlr. classe, wich requires 300 hrs.of burn in to sound ok,
The Ultra is a hell of a buy at $1500.
Stereophile recommended component.
Get one if you can find one. They are hard to find.

Strengths:
Very hi quality, Built like a tank and
best of all MADE in the USA with a 10 year warranty.
Tremendous soundstage and 3D imaging.

Weaknesses:
Dont use with cheap cd players. Will reveal the flaws.

Similar Products Used:
Classe dac-1, Monarchy.