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  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
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,134 posts
 
I own the Bricasti M3 with streamer card  and the the latest MDX board it is very well balanced and in no way thin sounding ,exceptional musical ,with precision and prat.
hearing all instruments in space with depth and realism even more so with
a true balanced preamp or integrated like my Coda CSIB , the M3 also being Differentially balanced,using xlr 
and Ethernet cable is the best low noise , the uptone audio Ether Regen 
is a noticeable  upgrade for anything of quality using a Ethernet to streamer .
linndrum808
18 posts
 
Doge clarity 7 best DAC at any price.
I have owned Berkley Audio, Lumin, Chord.....etc.

dvdboulet
78 posts
 
Doge clarity 7 best DAC at any price.
I have owned Berkley Audio, Lumin, Chord.....etc.

Just curious... do you have the stock tubes or did you replace them (and with what)?
Ag insider logo xs@2x
quanghuy147
79 posts
 
How good is EVO compared to Holo May and Terminator? I have tried to find the answer to this question but couldnt find one. 
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,134 posts
 
Bricasti m3 with streamer card is a incredible deal and digs very deep into the recording and sounds very natural vs the Holo springs May KTE and Denafrips 
terminstor +. The Bricasti sounded more fleshed out with better tonal balance ,very close 95% of their $10k m1 dac and  a pure Analog preamp section from their m21 , and Differentially balanced circuit ,and running 2 ANalog devises 1955 
Multibit dacs  ,I can see why Bricasti is used often in professional  mastering studios . I bought the M3 which also module for future upgrades ,CNC machined aluminum chassis ,and made in MA. U.S.A  not China !!
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