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DAC shopping - Trying to sift through the Hype. Can I trust the reviews these days ??

Hi All,

Well I've been reading a ton of threads about DACs. This is a very complicated endeavor, trying to find a new DAC. My 1st question is: Can I trust all the Youtube reviews these days ?

Seems like everyone is promoting the same DACs. I'm looking into a R2R Dac. Tons of hype for Holo May,Cyan,Laiv Harmony,Denafrips. Are these truly great Dacs or are they just the flavour of the month ?. There is almost zero negativity towards these Dacs. It's kind of like when the Eversolo streamers came out. Seemed like every reviewer was pushing the Eversolo. So searching for a new DAC online almost seems like sponsored ADs everywhere, am I wrong in feeling this way ?

That all being said here is my criteria for a new DAC (Probably searching the used market to get best value)

I believe I want to go with a R2R Dac, but it's not a dealbreaker.

My budget: $1000-$3000

My system: Bryston 3B Cubed, VTL(tube pre),Bel Canto 3.7 Dac(with upgrades), Antipodes Ds-3(player/server).

I really enjoy my Bel Canto 3.7, but it doesn't have USB input and I'm curious how much better a DAC sounds in 2024, compared to an older Bel Canto,. My BC has an upgraded linear supply. Once again this DAC sounds beautiful, but when its not compared to anything......Maybe I'm depriving myself of a better DAC. This is the only DAC I've had with existing equipment.

I know plenty of you will say go audition as many DACs as you can, but that is difficult unless it's hooked up to my gear. Won't help going to a store with a DAC being hooked up to different gear.Plus I want to buy used. I can buy higher end with a bit of a discount.

 

From my research these are the DACs I'm thinking of pursuing:

Laiv Harmony

Denafrips Pontas ii

Holo Cyan

 

You can tell from my choices that I've been buying into the hype.

Please add to my list of DACs and please dispel any extra hype over the most talked about models.

Cheers.

bunkertoy

Showing 2 responses by dz13

dz13
282 posts
 

You could also get a DDC (digital to digital converter) rather than a new DAC. The DDC can take the USB input and clean it up and reclock it and send it to your DAC via the AES/EBU input. I added a fairly inexpensive Denafrips Iris and felt that it added some clarity and bass to my system that I already thought was pretty good.

Also, the Denafrips Pontus is on the 15th generation so I'm not sure why you're looking at a Pontus II. The price is low and the Pontus 15th is essentially the same as the Venus 12th which is a DAC previously costing about $4,000 that you are getting for less than $2,000. Check out USAudioMart for deals on the DDC and DACs if you are interested and also Jay's Iyagi video on the Pontus 15th he put out this week. 

Finally, the question is whether you are looking for Delta Sigma or R2R stuff. You might also include the Holo Spring or a used May if you can find it. I've also been looking in this price territory and I'm finding some interesting lesser known stuff like the Audial DAC S5b which got a rave review from Elite Audio (YouTube) on 11-29-23. I haven't heard this DAC but the review(s) sound like I would like it and it has all the inputs you want including the i2s.  

dz13
282 posts
 

@gryphongryph As I mentioned in my earlier post, I am really interested in the Audial DAC S5b. When you get it, please let me know how you like it and what qualities it has. It is a real intriguing DAC. I'm sort of stuck until I get something sold. 

@bunkertoy I know you are getting a bunch of suggestions. Just remember to look at all of the specs on them. Some don't do DSD. Some do not oversample (if that is something you want). Some don't have many digital inputs. I am pretty much committed for my new DAC to have an i2s input so I can use the DDC to the full potential. Some DACs use i2s as their native language so it would seem to make sense to use that input if it is available.

Right now, for me, it is basically looking like either the Pontus 15th or the Audial DAC S5b although some others merit consideration such as the refurbished PS Audio Direct Stream or the Audio-gd R-7HE Mk 2 or 3. Also if a used La Scala showed up at a good price or a Holo May, I would jump at those. 

Anyhow, I still suggest you try a DDC first and possibly save yourself a bunch of money if you think your DAC is good but want to try different inputs.

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