Add External DAC or Upgrade to a New Streamer / DAC?


So upgrade-itis has struck again and I'm looking to improve my digital front end. Right now I am using the HiFi Rose RS250 (Quobuz - Roon - Ethernet - HiFiRose) which is fed into a PrimaLuna Evo 400 Integrated into GoldenEar Triton One.Rs Cardas and Wireworld interconnects and cables. My question is this. In order to achieve a marked improvement in digital sound quality (and being that I enjoy the look and interface of the Rose) is there an external DAC you would recommend running the Rose through (as cost effective as possible - pre-owned or demo preferred) or is there a Streamer / Dac combo product that would be the smarter upgrade move. I'd appreciate any input / advice. Thanks!

jdm11

Showing 4 responses by soix

Keep the streamer and DAC separate, and sell the Rose and upgrade your streamer when you get the chance.  You’ll be much better off. 

Yeah, the ESS SABRE DAC in your Rose is doing you no favors whatsoever. Sounds like a good R2R DAC is in your future. Here’s a nice example and would be a huge upgrade in what you’re looking for…

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650001299-denafrips-terminator-ii-12th-dac/

Here a review that might be helpful in discerning its sound characteristics in case it might be helpful…

http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2022/01/05/the-denafrips-terminator-ii-dac-review/

https://soundnews.net/sources/dacs/denafrips-terminator-plus-r-2r-dac-gaia-ddc-review-born-to-be-wild/

Best of luck in your search.

What specific improvements are you looking for and what’s your budget?