You’re very welcome @gregjacob. Well, I’ll tell you a story. Over ten years ago I had an inexpensive Peachtree DAC-iTx DAC, a MacBook Pro. and a small Woo Audio WA6 tube hp amplifier, where I plugged everything into a cheap hardware store power strip that shared a wall socket with a 3-way living room lamp. I was pretty happy mostly until I sometimes got excited and wanted to crank the volume up. That’s when I heard the limitations of my humble setup in the form of a lot of grainy distortion. So a couple three years ago when the pandemic started, and there was absolutely nothing else to do but stay home, I started to put together my present hp system.
I bought my first good DAC, a Chord Qutest. It was a revelation until I heard the TT2, which I quickly traded the Qutest for. Plus a good chunk of saved up money. I read that if one used an aftermarket LPSU on the TT2 then the SQ would improve significantly. And adding an Sbooster LPS did the trick. So down the clean power rabbit hole I fell.
As my system grew I added good power supplies and power cables to each piece of gear as I acquired them. What really opened my eyes was investing in an AudioQuest Niagara power conditioner and an AQ Storm series power cable. I also use two passive RFI/EMI filters in front of and behind my music server. One is an Audiowise SRC.DX USB to DX converter. And the other is a Network Acoustics ENO Ethernet filter. Plus I use two network switches in cascade between my router and the ENO. Both use iFi iPower X power supplies.
Most everyone’s needs are dependent upon their budgets and what kind of sound they’re looking for. Take your time. Read and watch as much as you can. Ask a lot of questions. You’ll be okay.
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Hi adasdad,
Thank you for that good plug for the Chord Hugo TT. You said, "If you haven’t done as much as you can to limit RFI and EMI, then no matter how good your DAC is you’ll ultimately be frustrated and will constantly be wondering where that “wow factor” is that you spent your money on."
What would be your way of focusing on that? Thanks in advance.
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I second the Doge 7 with NOS tubes. I’m using vintage Brimar tubes and it sounds incredible. Highly recommend.
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@gregjacob, I’m gonna be the guy who tells you that the Chord Hugo TT2 is an exceptional DAC that packs a considerable number of features in a desktop friendly and an esthetically pleasing package. The sound I get is very detailed and non fatiguing for long listening sessions. I’ve paired it with a Chord Hugo M Scaler, and I use the exceptional WAVE Fidelity Storm BNC cables to connect the two units for a presentation that I consider very close to analog. It’s definitely not everybody’s cup of tea, but it works for me.
For some comparison I’ve tried the Chord DAVE which has phenomenal instrument separation and soundstage, but I thought it didn’t have the visceral punch and muscle that the TT2 does. I really liked the Weiss 502, the Mola Mola Tambaqui, dCS Rossini with its master clock, super expensive, the MSB, and also the Nagra DACs which are amazing. The Holo May DACs get a lot of praise, and I know several folks who’ve switched to them because they just hit the spot for them.
Absolutely try before you buy! In the price range that you’re looking at there is a plethora of great equipment available. Everything is important though. The music source, the kind of music you listen too, speakers, headphones, interconnects, your listening environment, all play a big part in helping you achieve consistent music listening enjoyment. With my personal bias leaning heavily toward having as much clean power running through your system as possible. If you haven’t done as much as you can to limit RFI and EMI, then no matter how good your DAC is you’ll ultimately be frustrated and will constantly be wondering where that “wow factor” is that you spent your money on.
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@whipsaw ,
I looked briefly at the Aqua La Scala and wondered about the tubes. I currently have a Pontus ll as well and leave it on 24/7. What do they say the tube life is and how warm does it get.
Thanks.
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There are 2 that stick out best under $10 k and I have heard at length over the last year from our tri state audio get together in New England .
#1That is as good in some ways better then the chord Dave which I feel has the most detail at under $10 k but can be a little bit bright in some systems
my favorite is the Denafrips Terminator + , this dac never is bright and truly extracts
details lost in the vast majority of dacs ,
the Holo springs May KTA dac is just a bit behind in detail and is very involving .
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Thanks juanmanuelfangioii
It's a positive review on this unit.
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I'd like the Wyred4sound 10th anniversary DAC. the very analog sounding one of the reviewers put it up against its VPI turntable with the 5,000 Japanese cartridge and he said it sounded every bit as analog and I agree, because bested many more expensive dacs custody double and triple the 4, 500 US got the 10th anniversary that cost and the company even gives you a 30-day trial period if you don't like it you can send it back for a full refund.
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Kray, you mentioned the Sonnet Pasithea DAC. I just checked it out but there is a complete absence of reviews on it (on HiFi Heaven's website). Makes it hard to judge all these DACs when we don't have outside reviews... looks good, just no feedback. Thanks for suggestions.
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@gregjacob Below are the link to the WhatBestForum Baltic 3 thread that was mentioned above
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Have any had any experience with the SPL Director? I have the SPL Phonos and love it.
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Thanks Kennyc. Besides my Harbeth speakers, I also have a pair of Daedalus custom-made speakers. Lou Hinkley, the creator, is a fan of Lampizator. I wonder how improved the Lamp Amber 4 is over the 3. Their website says it's a complete rebuild from the ground up, based largely on their designs of the Baltic and higher models. Would love to sample those but of course a pipe dream. If anyone has experience in those, I'd welcome some feedback.
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I’ve also been researching this price range. The Holo May sonics is likely above the Terminator, but the best price/performance is the Lampi Baltic3.
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I agree…most dac’s sound very similar, until you find the one that really sucks or is really good.
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I started this thread then was out on business demands and now have just had a chance to read through. Thank you to everyone for such great input. This is why this is such a great community. I will be re-reading and looking into the many brands and suggestions. One thing that jumped out is the interesting response about how little the differences are between DACs. Some say there is very little and others that the differences can be night and day. I'm sure it would depend on the level of the rest of your system. I only know what I have and my ear is still searching for the closest-to-analog sound I can get out of digits with my budget. Again, thank you to all. This is how we discover new avenues!
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I’ve had Aqua Lascala, Holo May, Terminator2, Audiomirror T3, Weiss 502, Musetec 005, Topping D90, Rockna Wavelight, Lab12 Dac1 Reference and the T+A Dac200 surpasses all of them in my room. Here is a short clip I put on YT:
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bigkidz
contact us. presumably you are a dealer.
who, where?
thanks, Elliott, plainfield, nj
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I'll 2nd the nod on Mojo Audio , had an EVO , but unless you can get one via used sale, or a trade-in or demo from Mojo it will be out of your price range.
A DAC that gets acclaim in your price range is the Merason DAC 1
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Have had the Lampizator Baltic 3 in my system for the last year+ and love it. There is a lengthy B3 thread on WBF with reviews, commentary and some comparisons you might find helpful.
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If you like the Pontus' performance, moving up to a Terminator Plus makes a lot of sense. I went from a Venus II to a Terminator Plus because I really liked the Venus, but wanted more of everything. The Terminator Plus delivered that.
For what it's worth.
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If you are in the Tri-state area contact us for a demonstration on DACs, etc. I think you will find things are not equal in DAC land.
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Check out the T+A DAC 200, which retails at $6900.
I am an authorized T+A dealer but have owned T+A for years prior to becoming a dealer. I personally own T+A’s $38.5K reference DAC but also have the DAC 200 on my floor. I prefer the DAC 200 to many higher priced DAC’s like the Mola Mola Tambaqui, which which I’ve done direct comparisons. The Mola Mola is more analytical and clinical in delivery, where the T+A DAC 200 has the same level of detail and separation but with more tonal richness and gravitas in delivery. The T+A DAC 200 also has separate DACs, up to 32-bit 768Khz PCM and 1-bit DSD 1024.
Great review by The Computer Audiophile on Audiophile Style, just came out:
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Another vote for Aqua La Scala Optologic, especially if you can score a pair of NOS Telefunken tubes.
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I'm very pleased with my Bricasti M1 SE MDX with network card. Purchased used it's within your price range. Also serves as a network player, can't say how it compares to the Innuos.
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@gregjacob Have you considered upgrading your network player? You can improve upon your Innuos and have a few options in the 5-7K range, more if you consider used units.
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I went from the Pontus II to an Aqua La Scala Optologic, and found it to be a significant upgrade. I have not compared it with either a Terminator or Holo May, but have absolutely no interest in changing at this point.
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If you think the Pontus is 'excellent' then it seems a no brainer to stay in the family and move up to the Terminator. You might want to also consider moving up to Hermes or Gaia DDC.
I use a Hermes DDC i2S into a Sonnet Morpheus and very pleased. If you're wanting to switch brands Sonnet makes a flagship DAC called Pasithea in your price range.
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I've read many many threads on this question. You can obviously go find them, too.
Here's what I will say, very briefly:
First, the rate at which DAC's are evolving is not as fast as other components. This point was made over and over to me and it's sunk in. I think you're safe making an investment.
Second, the Holo May DAC is amazing sounding. I've heard it on a very resolving system and it was delightful. It's extraordinarily well built.
Other DAC's on my radar in this price range include the Mojo Audio line.
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