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Another DAC recommendation

Hey all, need some advice on the next step for my system, an improved DAC.

Some background info:
I usually buy physically CD’s, rip them to FLAC, and either listen to them through my PC or directly on the CDP.
I have a far from ideal nearfield setup- I use Neat Motive 3 speakers on isoacoustics stands on my desk.
Amp is Creek Classic 5350SE and Creek Destiny CDP. For PC DAC duties, I am using an HRT microStreamer DAC
(line-out). I also occasionally listen with Sennheiser HD650’s through the Creek.

I previously tried CA DacMagic 100, HRT MS II+ and settled on a MF V-DAC 2 for a while. Then I thought I would be better off with a dedicated CDP for improved SQ, so I bought the Destiny CDP.

This is my issue:
To my ears, the difference between the Destiny CDP and the microStreamer is marginal, both through speakers and headphones.There is a difference, but it is very minimal. The Destiny’s treble is smoother, and it has more weight. But even so, its not night and day, and I’m not sure I would be able to differentiate in blind A/B testing.

So I am thinking, if the HRT can do such a good job, then what can a better DAC do? I also find it easier for me to choose music through my PC than load the physical CD’s.

Like I stated, I’ve already tried many DAC’s in the 200-300$ margin.
I’m looking to sell the Creek CDP and get a DAC around 600$ used, a few options that I saw in listings:
Arcam irDAC, Rega DAC-R, some older PS Audio, Benchmark DAC1, there is a W4S DAC-2 here now..

What do you guys think? Worth it, or waste of money?
Thanks!!
itsikhefez
itsikhefez OP
63 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. 

@mahler123 Regarding the speakers, that may be the case, but I'm not sure. The reason is that the differences aren't huge also on the Sennheiser HD650 which are supposed to be very scalable headphones. I know the Creek int. isn't the ideal headphone amp, but I would expect it to be able to convey these differences.
In addition, I have a pair of Monitor Audio GX50 boxed up in the closet (long story). The differences weren't obvious with them either, and I ultimately preferred the Neat's, but I think I will give them another try.

@mesch 
Regarding the quality of the Destiny's internal DAC, I am sure it was top of the line, but DAC technologies have advanced alot since it was released (2005), so I think that may be the reason of the close gap between it and the HRT microStreamer.
I would like to get a CDP that has an internal DAC, ideally the Creek Evo 50CD which would match the rest of my kit, but those rarely come up used and I can't stretch my budget for a new one.

I saw the W4S Dac-2 as well, and will add it to my shortlist.

markalarsen's avatar
markalarsen
651 posts
 
Bel Canto DAC 1.7. 
marksn1's avatar
marksn1
3 posts
 
I also will weigh in as I just puchased a Wyerd 4 Sound DAC 2 DSD se from a seller on Audiogon at a very reasonable price.  Bottom line, for not a lot of money, my system sounds great.  I am converting a very large CD collection, ripping in AIFF on 12TB storage connected to a Mac Mini and using Roon as my interface.  Great results!
Good luck whichever way you go.....
jpkinsella
11 posts
 
I had good luck with the emotiva DC1
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