Bryston BDA-3 / Benchmark DAC3B

Ordered a Marantz SA-10, double duty, upgrade from my SA8004 and also use it as a DAC for the Node. Didn't want to spend so much, but so be it. 

That's been my experience with Gustard too. Lots of rave reviews and happy users, I have had 3 different units fail be for one reason or another. Maybe just bad luck but I am done trying their products.

Bryston BDA3 is a very competent device. I actually do like the Benchmark DAC3 B as well, after really disliking all the prior Benchmark DACs. It's still on the sharper more incisive side, not nearly as much as the prior models though. I also like not having their built in headphone amp as that part doesn't sound good to me at all. 

Benchmark and Bryston are both big name brands so easy to find from a dealer with good in home trial terms.

The A26 was a bust, seemed like a defective unit, ground loop noise. 

Back to the drawing board 

Decided to order up a Gustard A26. I’ll give it a try, if it doesn’t work out I’ll shift it and try the R26. 

Now considering upping my streamer game as well. I’m running a Node 2i with a Pardo LPS, I’m thinking a used Innuos Pulse would fit the bill for the level of my rig. 

Two things draw me to the Pulse, the inbuilt LPS, and access to radio Paradise, of which I spend the majority of my available time listening to. 

I’ve amassed 3500+ LP’s, 1000+ cd/sacd, but these days the ease of streaming and exposure to new music is winning out for me. 

@bimmerman2 

Used Brystons pop up on TMR from time to time. 

I owned a Bryston BDA3 DAC. I can say that it is a great sounding DAC. For a good deal look for one on the preowned market. I replaced it with an Aqua Acoustics LaScala tube based DAC. You can’t go wrong with the Bryston.

Correct, plan on keeping the Node for now as I really like the interface. 

I hated the Bryston BDP3 due to Manic Moose....

@bimmerman2 said BDA not BDP.  I think the BDA is well regarded. Thats assuming you a keeping the Node as the streamer. 

The CA adds Chromecast and AirPlay.  
I just added a Wiim Pro-streamer only-to my 3rd system.  Best value in an audio at $100.  Also does Chromecast, AirPlay and Bluetooth 

I hated the Bryston BDP3 due to Manic Moose.  It sounds great but the frustration will make you miss the Node.

  At your budget I would get a Cambridge Audio DAC streamer .  They just upgraded the DAC section to an ESS chip.  The Stream Magic app works very well.

You could try this.  It’s transparent with very good detail but as an R2R DAC it’s not sterile sounding (I own it BTW) so may be the best of both worlds for you, and I believe the seller accepts returns if it doesn’t work out.  Best of luck. 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/226670482937

Here’s a review that I think captures its sonic traits very well just fyi…

https://soundnews.net/sources/dacs/musician-audio-pegasus-r2r-dac-review/