@jasonbourne71 I'm getting a feeling that the Dacs I mentioned are generic and nothing special. I want a Dac with layering, but with the newer technology. Me thinks that I would have to up the price to get something special. And I do want something special. My Bel Canto is special, just like to be able to compare.

@2psyop I only mentioned USB, because my Antipodes has USB out and many claim it's superior to SPDIF. The streamers they make mostly have USB out only. Most high-end streamer/servers are like that. Funny thing is, 10 years ago, everyone was saying too much noise in USB signal.

Sounds like the Dacs mentioned are nothing really special. BTW, that was not my end list. it was just the DACs that jumped out right away, once I typed in R2R dacs.

Once again, it seems I'm going to have to drop some bigger coin to get a game changer.

Perhaps suggestions on companies that allow you to sample their product before buying ? I think not many would do that, unless it was closer to $10K area.

The Dacs in a higher price range were

T + A

Totaldac

Lampizator

@jimmy2615 That's good info. Fyi my Antipodes Streamer/Server is highly regarded. They make very solid units and have incredible online support.

My Streamer has both USB & Spdif. I'm using the Spdif with a Tellurium Q Waveform Cable. Because my Bel Canto doesn't have USB, I just can't tell which output of the streamer sounds best.

You are also correct about length of time spent with a DAC, .Ideally I purchase something and if I'm unhappy, sell it for another. Rinse & Repeat. That's when buying used is best instead of brand new.

@jond Lampizators don't come cheap. I am reading good things about Audio Note also.

@stuartk Thanks for the list . I'm in Toronto, Canada.I feel like a DAC is such a difficult thing to fit in with the rest of your stereo chain. So many unknowns.

@moonwatcher  and don’t overlook good sigma-delta or multibit DACs compared to R2R. I totally agree, which making a DAC upgrade that much harder... where do you start ?

Soo many options available. It's a bit overwhelming.

I guess the question has turned into what is a solid upgrade from my Bel Canto (Statement upgrades.) I've heard stories of the Weiss being bright !. I'm all about analog. low fatigue sounds. full sound with timbre, holographic,tubey,warm.

Tons of great responses.

@jimmyblues1959 Totally agree about the marketing aspect. My speakers are Revival Atalante 3. They are a new speaker company, based in France. The engineer is from Dynaudio. I'm so happy with these. I found them through discussions on a forum.

Point being there have been many DACs mentioned in this thread which I would never have looked up, so many thanks for expanding my search. Totally spending hours reading and searching reviews, while I listen to music. Not a bad way to spend a day.

@dz13 @mitch2 @trivema I really like to try the idea of a DDC. could be an interesting experiment, with low cost.

@mm1tt77 Some great info there. I'm very curious about the new LTA dac. I've always dreamed of owning one of their Preamps, but out of my price range. LTA is a solid company.

I do like that my DAC has a separate power supply, it's always best to get the power in it's own chassis. With my Antipodes streamer I also use a Sbooster. As far as streamers go... I like Antipodes or Innuos, because they both support SqueezeLite. That's my ecosystem of choice. Both companies make solid Streamer/Servers.

@decooney Seems many people are saying the same about my Bel Canto 3.7. I did blow $1500 in upgrades last year. It's non-fatiguing and at times warm.

You know how this stupid hobby is... It sounds great, but maybe I can change it up. What's the deal with R2R...? everyone is talking about it. :).

@audiotroy The Antipodes is a great server/streamer. The reason I started this chat is because I'm using the Spdif output, not the USB. USB is what Antipodes suggest to use.

@calvinandhobbes @vthokie83 It seems like the performance of the Pontas ii can't be denied.

 I can get a used one at a reasonable price. Do a comparison and see where I'm at. Cheap experiment that might yield new results.

@sqitis Thanks for extensive description. I still think a separate streamer/Server is best for noise. I'm hoping to go up the food chain with Antipodes. Once again I really enjoy the Squeezelite eco-system. I'm currently searching out a Antipodes CX to be my server.

@rikkipuu On USB being noisey... I wonder then why all the high-end Streamers/Servers have only USB outputs. I've spoken to Antipodes and they indicate I will get better sound using the USB output or the Spdif output. I purchased a Bel Canto Ref Link to take the USB signal and convert it to Spdif. I like that it matches my current Bel Canto 3.7.

@tweak1 I agree about separate power supplies. my upgrade on my Bel Canto was a l linear Power supply.

Picking a new DAC will not be a spur of the moment decision. So many opinions & choices.

The more money I save, the better results I'll get from my DAC. DACs seem to take a jump moving into the strong brands, such as: T+A, Weiss, DCS, Lampizator etc...

@kairosman I would love to try out a Lampizator DAC. I've heard great things.... I'll just have to wait for a used bargain. They rarely sell in Canada. I find many in the U.S don't like to ship to Canada for some reason.

@jk_richards I'm pretty happy with my Squeeze LMS. LMS is a total open source. It also plays very well with my Antipodes Streamer.

@jk_richards I don't bother with DSD. Strictly Hi-res PCM here.Don't think my ears would be able to tell the difference.

Cheers