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 3 responses by jimmy2615

jimmy2615
446 posts
 
Mitch, any idea what your V3 had in it ?  Hammond vs. Lundahl, other upgrades, etc.; was the balanced version of the V3 somehow different than the current EVO model with balanced outputs?    To Thaluza's post, it's funny to think in a few years when people are selling these here it will be like Audio Note speakers...  Selling a Mojo Mystique B4B21 Fe Chassis with Lundahl in the Analogue stage, upgraded SPDIF, non-ceramic boards, etc., etc.  I think it's great, shows a designer never resting on their laurels. 
jimmy2615
446 posts
 
Thanks Mitch.  It will be interesting to see what you think of the upgraded chokes and SPDIF upgrades.  I have a B4B on order also.  Like you I wanted to try before committing to the expense of the Evo; in my case I tried a V2 to see if I could glean what the general character or house sound, if you will, was of the Mojo DACs.  Even with the simpler product I really enjoyed the overall presentation.  Musical flow, tone, overall balance were very much to my liking.  
jimmy2615
446 posts
 
@quanghuy147 I have had both in my system.  The Mojo has a certain naturalness to it that is rare IME, I describe it as moving from the recording booth into the studio.  Especially on red book 44.1 material it is really good.  The Terminator however was more three dimensional in my system and did some of the “HiFi” (in a good way) things better.  Also it is very flexible with the ability to oversample, DSD, and offers very hi-rates if you like that sort of thing.  For the price I would choose the terminator, which was about half as much as the Mojo.  I was running both with a aurender N20 into Luxman electronics and Harbeth speakers.  As always, system matching is key.  
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