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DAC RECOMMENDATIONS PLEASE

Hello,

Presently my system is: Qobuz > Lumin U1 Mini Streamer > Electrocompaniet ECD-1 Dac > Herron VTSP-3A (R03) Pre > Odyssey Khartago Extreme Amp > KEF r11 Speakers.

The ECD-1 dac is 20 years old. I've had issues with this dac at times not playing 24/192 music at all even though its rated to handle it. Recently I've had to adjust settings in the Lumin to play 24/192 music at 24/96 in order for it to play. So, I want to replace it with something using a bit more current technology. My budget is 1800.00 for something used.

To my ears, the KEF r11 is a very detailed and revealing speaker. Well recorded music sounds great. Poorly recorded music sounds very poor and again to me, that means edgy and fatiguing highs. I'm looking for a warm and musical presentation. Things I've done to lean in that direction are getting the Herron pre and adjusting the bias of the Khartago towards a warmer sound also.

Dacs I've been studying have been R2R NOS dacs like Border Patrol, Denefrips Pontus II, and others. I also have looked at the Schiit Yggy LIM.  So I'd love to hear from anyone who perhaps has had a similar quest and what was found to fit the warm and musical goal. Thanks for any comments!

JM

jfmerk

Showing 3 responses by jfmerk

jfmerk OP
20 posts
 

Thank you for the replies. I wondered if Bard was an AI tool. I confirmed with a search. Very cool. @ghdprentice  Thanks for posting your findings. I'll have to play with that AI tool a bit. If Bard was the final word, I'd lean towards the Yggdrasil since it's strengths align the best with what I'm looking for. It's weaknesses are something I can accept. I also forgot to add in my OP the fact I have two SVS subs so I can get the bass where I like it. The research I need to do if I go with the Schiit is to fully understand the different models/versions of the Yggy. It's my understanding the LIM is what I should be looking for.

Thanks again for the replies.

 

jfmerk OP
20 posts
 

Thanks for the all comments, suggestions and sound advise!

@dickieboy   I'll look into the DS dac.  Thanks

@rick_n   Thx, I'll into the Holo Audio Spring 3

@mbmi   I'll look into the Troubadour dac. Audio Mirror is 30 minutes from where I live. Perhaps I can demo one in my home.

@decooney Thx for the sound advise. I do have a few friends with very nice rigs that I get together with. Pretty sure someone would let me demo one of their dacs; Audio Note 4.1 (kit), Lampizator and Aqua La Scala

@dhungana  Thx and as mentioned I'll check out Audio Mirror

jfmerk OP
20 posts
 

Just to be clear, I realize my friends stuff is way outside my budget of course.  But, if I listen to dacs such as those I listed, I may learn just how a really good dac can sound. I also may learn that my ears just can't hear the difference or that there  isn't enough improvement for me to make any changes at all. But it shouldn't be hard to improve on a 20 year old dac.

Thanks again!

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