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DAC recommendations for CDs in 2-channel system

Can anyone share suggestions for a DAC to go with the following setup:

Odyssey Audio Kismet monoblocks
Odyssey Audio Tempest pre-amp
Dual 1229 turntable with Shure V3
crappy CD player (used as a transport)
Schiit Modi Uber (current DAC, OK not great)
Klipsch Cornwall I speakers

I listen primarily to CDs and some vinyl at fairly low levels. The amps and preamp were recent major upgrades, so I'm thinking about getting a DAC that will hold its own with the new components.

I don't have a budget in mind, but prefer a high value for dollar. Thanks in advance!
scoran
audioengr
3,282 posts
 

my preamp (Odyssey Audio Tempest) has only analog RCA inputs. Reading the Six Moons review of your device (congrats, btw), it appears your device has only digital inputs and outputs. Will analog output from the DAC to the preamp reduce the performance gains of the Synchro-Mesh?

No.  The analog signal from the DAC will be improved by having lower distortion.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio


audioengr
3,282 posts
 

My short list of competitors DACs includes: Chord DAVE, Resonnessence Invicta or Mirus Signature Pro, Light Harmonic DaVinci MKII, TotalDAC, Aqua LaScala MKII.

On a budget: Border Patrol, Exogal Comet Plus, PSAudio Directstream

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

scoran OP
10 posts
 
Good stuff, Steve. Thanks for the thorough answers. It's given me something to think about...
rogerh113
20 posts
 
If you have a chance, you might want to take a listen to an older DAC with 20400 'chips'.  They were made when the money was spent on making the chips great, rather than applying a lot of technology to make lesser chips sound better.  There are often some Sonic Frontiers DACs available from the usual audio sources (eBay, here on Audiogon, or US Audio Mart) and they are not outrageously expensive. 
Ag insider logo xs@2x
scotte_1
9 posts
 
I really enjoy my PS Audio DirectStream Sr.  It fits squarely in the big bang-for-the buck (high value) box in my opinion.  Lots of rave reviews out there...  Here is one of the latest asserting that it compares well (competes?) with very expensive kit: http://www.tonepublications.com/review/ps-audio’s-directstream-memory-player-and-dac/  The PSA team consistently tweaks the programable "chips'" code and provides updates, FOR FREE.  Give it a listen on trial.  PSA has a generous trial and trade in policy.  
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