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
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,479 posts
 

Couple of more comments. I use the usb inputs only on both dacs. My digital front end is as follows:

linear power supply powered modem - Network Acoustics ENO ethernet cable - English Electric Switch 8 powered with a linear power supply - Network Acoustics Muon Ethernet cable - Network Acoustics Muon ethernet filter - Innuos Zenith 3 - Tchernov reference USB cable to the dacs. The dacs placed on a Sound Anchors 225 pound rack with the dacs on Townshend Pods

 

Both dacs had great body, solidity and never sounded thin. Both threw a nice big stage and imaged like champs.

ghasley
2,489 posts
 

@grannyring thanks for the thoughtful post and for taking the time to compare the dacs. I am more certain than at any time in the past that today the performance gaps between entry level, mid priced and the upper end of the price spectrum dacs compare favorably. Not that long ago, entry level dacs sounded broken…Mid level dacs left alot of us wanting and the upper end began to sound like music…today, if you have a border patrol or a merason or a mojo or a meitner they each sound terrific within their abilities.

bradhaf
5 posts
 

@ghasley, you said you have both the Merason Dac1 and Frerot.  Could you please describe the differences between the two?  I have the Frerot and just recently sold my Chord Hugo TT2 because the Frerot sounds so much better in every aspect for less than half the price.  But I don't like having to constantly move the Frerot between my headphone system and my speaker system, so am thinking about the Dac1.  But also looking at others.  Thank you.

ghasley
2,489 posts
 

@bradhaf 

 

The Dac1 is terrific…what system will you be dropping it into? 

bradhaf
5 posts
 

Horning Pericles DX2 Ultimate speakers + two Rhythmic L12 subwoofers + AmpsAndSound Mogwai SE 8W SET amp.

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