metrum octave
mhdt any current model
schiit gumby
van alstine fet hybrid
not nos r2r but sounds like it -
ayre codex
mhdt any current model
schiit gumby
van alstine fet hybrid
not nos r2r but sounds like it -
ayre codex
Advice on a budget R2R DAC
@alaindexe https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649678453-nos-r2r-dacs-x3-metrum-and-mhdt/ nos r2r, no tubes, meets your spec ... have this and 3-4 years of paid-for streaming within your stated budget !! 😇 |
op @jjss49 : I have a hard time believing that the Octave can compete the others here, but I could be wrong... since I don’t use a streaming service, I rather put that money where it counts... ;) haha it does and then some... i sold the dena ares 2, kept the octave, the metrum produces highs more naturally to my ears and has a more textured midrange (into hegel h390 driving proac response d30r) - that lil octave put cees j and metrum on the map... the transient modules are no joke. but of course, ymmv... hope you find something you like... |