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Best DACs for under $1500 in 2021

I've been reading threads here for the past few weeks, but everything I come across is from 2018 or earlier so the prices are a bit off. I've been so close to pulling the trigger on the MHDT Orchid based off of several reviews, but is there something that'd give me a better listening experience? 

I get that $1,500 is not a lot in the audio realm, but I'm positive that I'll get a much better listening experience than my current SMSL Sanskrit 6th ed. Again, I'm realistic, but I want a taste of the "in the room" feeling. Body, great soundstage and just something captivating to hold my attention. Detail is great, but I'm not looking to overanalyze music, more or less just sink into it.  

From what I see the MHDT lineup is going to be something to consider. The BorderPatrol dacs are still in my price range. The Tubadour is no longer in my price range, as they've discontinued the $1500 model. What else should I look for? Yt reviewers seem to love the Denafrips Ares II. 


I'd prefer new recommendations under $1500 because when someone says "you can find X at your price point used", it's impossible to find a current classified for it. 


Thanks! 
nails337
b_limo's avatar
b_limo
2,273 posts
 
I’m in the market for a dac as well, being that my Schiit Gungir MB sold unexpectedly (be careful when you say “everything is for sale, at the right price” because it just may sell, lol).

I spent quite a few hours withthe Gungir.  My quick impressions are that its great at detail resolution, its smooth in that it will take some nastyness / honkyness out of the highs and mids, it has great bass weight / depth / resolution.  It also has pretty good imaging in that it will give that holographic effect.  Its open and clear sounding and vocalists will appear in the room with you.

Its actually a great dac for $700 used.  I don’t think it can be beat for that $.

I was thinking that I wanted to try the Denafrips Ares II but was on the fence.  The more I started looking, the more I realized how good and what a good deal the Gungir is.

Im going to research a few of the suggested dacs.  That Pegasus looks interesting…

I’ll probably buy something today and will report back!
mozartfan
2,143 posts
 
Shanling. 
Best bang
, Under $3k Prima Luna
Under $8K Jadis
nails337 OP
6 posts
 
I ended up getting the Denafrips Ares II. Amazon had it through a retailer and I paid 825 shipped. It came in yesterday. Very satisfied with it so far. Much more detailed than my previous SMSL 6th anny dac. I can follow an instrument through the entire song without it getting lost. Really great separation. Picking up things I haven’t noticed before in a few tracks. Overall I’m pretty impressed. Bass is also much different. I have always ran 2 subs, but they never filled the room like this, until now. I did have "muddy" bass every now and then, and to be fair I haven’t had enough time to know if I’ll still get this effect, but its certainly tighter and more impactful, if that’s the right descriptor.

Tube amp > Dac > and I stream with the m1 mac mini (also new) on Apple Music Lossless (brand new to this).

I previously streamed on a 2010 mbp on Qobuz/Tidal/Amazon, it died, then I moved to a Windows machine on Tidal. I prefer using my Mac day to day so I ended up picking up the Mac Mini. Not sure if it’s because it’s new to me, but Apple music lossless sounds better than Tidal.

Just being clear as to all the changes made. There could be a case for new hardware making a difference. Coming from a 2010 MBP to something at current year is a pretty big leap. All in all very satisfied with the Denafrips at this price point. It’s a huge leap from a $90 dac.
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