@jaybe
Thanks for your input. What is your source? Steamer?
I’d be most tempted to try the Wandla Golden Sound edition. One reviewer (don’t recall which) reported it sounded better the the standard version without even utilizing any of the added EQ features but I’m not very technically astute and his theory as to why this might be did not stick in my head.
Since starting this thread, I auditioned a used U.S.- made r2r DAC ($8500 new) that, based upon reviews, I thought would be end-game for me. Nope. I abhor bright sonics but this DAC was the opposite -- it just sounded lifeless to me. I sent it back.
I’ve only owned one standalone DAC in the past (Aqua La Voce r2r) and eventually I found the upper mids fatiguing and sold it. Since then, I’ve been using my Hegel 390’s onboard delta sigma AKM DAC. I like it a lot but it’s somewhat rolled off on top, as is the Hegel and I’m not getting the bass extension I got with the Burr-Brown equipped Aqua. I used to believe I preferred r2r but can no longer confidently say what I might like best. I need to hear more DACs.
I’m in the midst of a power cord upgrade (I found some that bring back much of the bass extension I enjoyed with the Aqua) at the moment and don’t have the cash to also pursue a new DAC. It seems to me that DACs are a rather confusing component to upgrade.
Best of luck to you, moving forward !
