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DAC league table

A little lost in this world of technical audiophilia, I need a bit of help finding my way.

I have a Marantz streamer with (I think...) an ES Sabre 9016 Ultra Dac as its beating heart. Unhappy with the streamer as whole and thinking of separating out the functions of streaming, DAC and pre-amping, which DACs are better than this one? How do I find out, what specs might tell me?

Onward kit: Acoustics Masterpiece valve amp (used as a power amp), Monitor Audio Gold 200 speakers. Listening interest: vocals, instruments, clarity of sound, although a decent bass response never goes amiss. Source, streaming from tidal or Qobuz.

louisesjpp
vthokie83
853 posts
 

lousisejpp,

What is your price point? There are great options from $1,000 to $20,000 depending on your equipment and budgest

tcotruvo's avatar
tcotruvo
179 posts
 

I bought a used Bluesound Node 3 and a SMSL M400 DAC with preamp capability and I think they operate and sound great.  I upgraded the Node power supply with a PD Creative board and a linear power supply.  Total cost was just over $1000.

ler0ck
10 posts
 

Streamer : node 2i connect optical to Chord Qutest Dac/ RME Fs 2 Dac is the best out there. Don’t trust a myth

ler0ck
10 posts
 

Another best solution base on PC is Audirvana App will cost you around $100 +PC+ Qutest/ RME Dac. 

ericsch
752 posts
 

Here is another option. Current Node plus a used Denafrips Ares. Well within your budget.

 

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