DAC 3-4k range


Time to start looking for an upgrade. Will look to buy used in the 3-4k price range.

Currently using an Audio Note kits 2.1, and like it very much in all ways. One perspective I have is to just get "more of it" and upgrade in the AN line, if in fact higher level models improve on the basic characteristics.

But I don't have a lot of experience with DACs into this new price territory, so I'm interested in hearing what other folks like so I can do some more research.

My primary requirement is balanced outputs.

It will be driven by a Logitech Transporter and feed an Ayre AX-7e.
joncourage

Showing 3 responses by soix

Lots of great DACs listed already to which I'll add the Bel Canto 3.5VB. Had a previous version in my system a while back and it was fantastic. Neutral and natural sounding.
Due respect, but it's very easy to like what you have right now. Before dropping a lot more cash on an upgrade into the same line (which may very well turn out to be the right path) it would be a great opportunity to hear what else is out there. Everything sounds great, but you don't know how great until you hear the competition. If you just take the easy route you'll always be asking yourself...
A great thing about the used equipment market is it can allow you to try lots of things in your own system, and if it doesn't work out you can turn around and sell it for little or maybe even no loss (assuming you don't overpay for the unit initially). And DACs in particular are relatively light and have no moving parts so lend themselves well to shipping. Comparing your unit to others in completely different rooms/systems or to lower-priced competition really doesn't tell you much imho. Anyway, just a thought. By the way, I'll throw in the Bel Canto DAC3.5VB as another unit worth exploring if it hasn't already been mentioned. I had the DAC3VB in my system as a demo and it was very impressive (would still have it if I could've afforded it dammit). Again, best of luck.