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DAC recommendation for DSD input

Hello-- 80% of my listening is streaming local DSD (64-256) files via Roon. My current system is Roon Core on an iMac Pro making its way to a Sonore Optical Rendu which is connected, via USB to the DAC in my Hegel H390 integrated which feeds Magico A3 speakers and a pair of REL S/510 subs.. There is nothing at all objectionable to my current system, nonetheless, I am wondering if an external DAC might be an improvement over the H390's DAC and if that is a worthwhile spend.  I am space constrained so I must stick with an integrated (pre+amp), but do have space for a DAC and the Rendu system.

I have spent hours researching many of the newer and older DACS, including the cheaper "Chifi" DACS (Topping, Gustard R26 and X26iii),  T+A 200 DAC, PS Audio Direct Stream MKi2 and Mola Mola Tambaqui (used) and other DACs in-between (Denefrips Pontus and Terminator, Holo May, Wyred for Sound 10th anniversary, etc).  

I would rather spend $5k-$10K for a significant improvement as opposed to  $1K-$4K for no or a slight improvement. My hope is for more resolution, more musicality, less high frequency fatigue, tighter bass.  Is it unrealistic to expect that an external DAC will bring a significant improvement?

My system is in a decent room, but there is little to no choice in speaker placement or room treatment opportunities.

I have a chance to audition the T+A 200 DAC and the Direct Stream MK2.  In a previous system, I had an MSB Discrete stack which was nice, but I'm not sure that would be the worth the cost today.

What type of DAC (chip based, FPGA, R2R, OS/NOS) is more structured to DSD input?  I've almost ruled out R2R, but could be mistaken?  The deeper I look, the more confused I get.  

Thanks for any recommendations or advice.

 

 

mintakax

Showing 1 response by thriftyaudio

thriftyaudio's avatar
thriftyaudio
97 posts
 

@mintakax The advice you have received is all excellent. I was in a similar position and looked at several of the ones recommended here. I found the Tambaqui less 'musical' than I wanted, but it was nearly my choice. The T+A 200 was another almost choice. It was not as detailed as I desired. I did not try to the PS Audio because I had the Mk. 1 and I did not like how the software upgrades changed the DAC profile. The Chord Dave with the M-Scaler was way too bright. I wanted to try the Weiss 501, but could not find one I could test in my system, other than from The Music Room and I had just returned another item. I really did not want to try it and return it.

I ended up with the Bricasti M1S2 which I did buy from the Music Room. I tried the earlier model in my system (M1SE from a friend) and loved it. The M1S2 was even better. What I especially like about it are the filter options. One option sounds just like the Chord Dave and another like the Tambaqui. I find I do change the filter depending the choice of music. It is like having multiple high end DACs all in one unit.

The Streamer option is a big choice. I went with Innuos, but may be looking elsewhere down the road.

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