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Best used or new DAC under $3500

What would be the best DAC for under $3500, new or used? I currently use the Chord Dave and I LOVE it. However, I'm looking to downgrade to save some dough. Some reference points:

1) Yggdrasil:  Sold it as the staging was too narrow/flat and it seemed a little lifeless
2) Ayre QB-9 DSD: Feel its a bit too bright/tizzy - at this point I'm done trying Sabre DACs.

Can anyone recommend a DAC that is not a mainstream sabre chip based DAC? I dont mind it if its an older generation or vintage DAC either - Just something I can get for under $3500. I don't want a discussion to defend Sabre DACs please.

Thanks!

jozurr

Showing 1 response by hk_fan

hk_fan
517 posts
 
Having just gone through this, I ended up with an Ayre qb-9 DSD.  I know I can sell this and not lose any money should it not live up to my expectations.  

I looked at the Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ but didn't want to deal with some of the support issues I've recently read about.  I'm intrigued by MQA but it's not a deal breaker.

I also considered the Chord Hugo TT but my local dealer (who interestingly enough is also the Mytek dealer) wasn't very accommodating and I didn't feel it was worth 2x the cost of what I paid for the qb-9.

My experiences with the Ayre gear is quite different than the OP's but that is irrelevant.  We hear what we hear.


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