2. digital
  3. 162029-21

DAC Choices - $5,000 to $7,000

What are the current top DAC choices in the approximately $5-$7K price range (new or used) that I should look at as possible upgrades to my current Metrum Adagio?  Having an on-board volume control is not a factor as I can operate my system either way.   If I wanted to spend more I would look at Totaldac, Rockna Wavedream Signature, or one of the other top-end contenders, but I selected the price range to achieve a sound quality that is consistent with the rest of my system and because I don't want to spend more due to the still evolving nature of digital technology.  I do like the more natural sound (to my ears) of NOS R2R DACs.  So far, I have considered the three below, but none seem to be a slam-dunk upgrade from the Adagio, which still sounds pretty good in my system.  The decision is complicated by having to "buy to try" so that I can hear one in my system.  Maybe now is not the time for an upgrade.  Any thoughts?

  • Denafrips Terminator w/DSP board - Reportedly has the full body/dense tone type of sound I like, but also has a high'ish output impedance 
  • Holo May KTE - Reportedly measures great for an R2R DAC and has strong reviews 
  • Rockna Wavelight - Some reviewers like it but others put it in the middle of the pack for the price
mitch2

Showing 4 responses by c_avila1

c_avila1
185 posts
 
@rsf507 Opting to max out the Evo’s B4B (Bang 4 Buck) options seems counter-intuitive. One might as well select the Pro and max out those options.

Here are the options I selected for the B4B:

  • S/PDIF Upgrade - Lundahl Amorphous Core
  • Analog PSU Choke - Lundahl
  • Digital PSU Choke - Hammond
  • Shielding - Copper Clad + ERS Paper
  • Anti-Resonance: Sorbothane Feet
The price of the Evo with these options is $8,349.95. It is very expensive but I think it will be worthwhile judging from what Grannyring has stated. He has a lot of experience performing DIY upgrades in DACs, some of which I have experienced in my own system. Grannyring’s description of the Evo’s sound suggests that this DAC has a special quality that traditional DACs cannot produce.

My name was placed on the build schedule at the end of November. I hope to receive the Mystique Evo B4B this month.
c_avila1
185 posts
 
Thanks, I'll post my thoughts about the Evo in the dedicated Evo thread so that we don't derail this thread.
c_avila1
185 posts
 
Thaluza, do you know what capacitors will be upgradable in the future? The Mojo site states that the output is direct-coupled, which eliminates output coupling caps. Diode snubbers might be considered an upgrade. However, I would like to see more companies implement film decoupling caps for ’lytics into circuit boards. CuTF is my favorite electrolytic bypass cap. This upgrade is easy to implement in point to point wiring. It's possible to do on PCBs if they're elevated enough or if you use small/thin caps and solder them under the board. 
c_avila1
185 posts
 
The Mystique V3 is posted on the website again. It appears that many owners are trading in their DAC for the EVO. 
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