Aqua La Voce or La Scala might be up your alley and bracket your budget. They are R2R/FPGA DACs. I have no actual experience with them, but find the implementation and approach intriguing. Some day.
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
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- 231 posts total
I was at your place few months ago. I had a Metrum Onyx. I researched basically the same models. I got the Totaldac core d1, which is in your price range. I wanted NOS R2R. I figured I did not want to put much towards DSD as that takes out the NOS R2R. No regrets, wonderful sounding. Very clear, good bass and highs, good imaging and soundstage. |
A 2nd recommendation to check out the Mojo Audio Mystique EVO dac. R2R, $6k for base model that can be upgraded in a lot of ways. Good review here: https://www.audiophilia.com/reviews/2020/5/21/sigmanmojoevodac I've owned it for a couple months. Loving it. |
- 231 posts total