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 2 responses by kren0006

@cal3713 would same digital cable length suggestion apply to digital coax?

Specifically, for digital coax BNC-BNC to provide an external 10MHz clock signal to a DAC?

Or not?  Thx in advance if you know,
Speaking or Auralic Vega G2.1, which is right at the boundary of OP’s $5-7k range, has anyone done a comparison of that streamer/dac versus those discussed in this thread (Mojo, Holo May, PS Audio, Chord Dave, Denefrips, etc.)?

TIA