Best DAC’S $5k to $15k

One thing about the Tambaqui is that I think some people write it off too fast.  I too was not sure at first, until I realized it really, really needs a full 24 hours to warm up from standby.  At first, I just wasn’t getting the dynamic impact and precise imaging I wanted.  That said I agree with what people are saying - won’t be for every taste or system.

I have a Tambaqui and love it (also owned the Merason DA1 Mk1 which is fantastic at a lower price, but not as high performing as the Tambaqui as you’d expect).

I wanted to go to separates from my Diablo 300 integrated, but I didn’t want to add another box and more cables. So I went with the Mola Mola Makua preamp with a Tambaqui DAC module inside, which is 100% the same as a standalone Tambaqui.

For those who like the Tambaqui’s sound, you’ll love the Makua as a preamp’s sound.

For reference my amp is now a Gryphon Essence and the Makua/Tambaqui pairing with it I’m finding to be rather fantastic.

Based on my experience with the Merason DAC 1 mk1, if someone wanted to spend less than the say a Bartok or Tambaqui, I’d highly suggest looking into the Merason DAC 1 mk2. I’ve not heard it and I’m just basing this on my appreciation of the mk1 version. Who knows maybe it can compete with the heavy hitters. The DAC1 certainly has a sense of musicality that is very rare.