IMO to many times people look at the wrong place when upgrading when it comes to dac’s. It does not matter what dac you are using if you are not getting the best 1’s and 0’s being sent to the dac. Yes most high end dac’s will up sample a bad input but now you are not getting a neutral sound but a digital rendition of the sound that now puts you at the mercy of the designer and circuit boards. Anyone who is a majority streaming listener should look at the products from a company Small Green Computer. They make a system that will introduce fiber optic delivery into the signal. No need for up sample as fiber will deliver the best clean 1’s and 0’s possible today. Your music will sound natural the way the recording was produced with an average dac leaving you money for a power conditioner and cable upgrades.I would recommend you do this before you dump 10 k on a dac that is receiving a bad signal being put into it.
Best DAC For My Setup Under $10k
Just wanted to get you thoughts on possible DAC replacements for my system with a budget under $10k (new or used) that would go well with my setup. My system consists of McIntosh MA352 integrated, Wilson Sabrinas, DCS Network Bridge and a Chord Qutest DAC (with a upgraded power supply) which I want to replace. I mostly do streaming for my listening.
Here are my current contenders:
DCS Debussy
Berkeley Alpha DAC 2
DCS Scarlatti (used)
I would also consider all in one systems (streamer and DAC) that would partner well with my gear.
Thanks in advance!
Here are my current contenders:
DCS Debussy
Berkeley Alpha DAC 2
DCS Scarlatti (used)
I would also consider all in one systems (streamer and DAC) that would partner well with my gear.
Thanks in advance!