2. digital
  3. 124849-33876

Dac Suggestions for Rega System

Hi - I have a Rega Elex-R, Apollo-R, and Kef LS50's in my listening room.  I was able to audition a Rega Dac-R and I really like what it did to the source overall, very musical while tightening up low-end smear and providing a clearer front-to-back depth.  Just curious if there are other Dac's I should be looking at before buying the Rega Dac-R.  Looking for a musical Dac, something not overly clinical since the Rega system isn't terribly forgiving with sub-par material.  Thanks!
mikecorwin
gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 
I went with a Schiit Bifrost multibit. I comes at a great price and I am impressed with the sound reproduction. I have a Rega Apollo, too, but haven't connected it to the bifrost, yet.
mikecorwin OP
25 posts
 
Thank you both for the recommendations!
khoihd
2 posts
 
I highly recommend the Marantz HD-DAC 1. It doesn't really do the "hifi" thing but it is very musical, warm and forgiving. Beautiful tone. It really focuses on the music.
adg101
1,062 posts
 
I agree on the Marantz HD DAC 1. Very nice unit for the money, built very well and it's a very nice headphone amp on top of it. As a headphone amp alone it's worth the money, but I do agree it is a better DAC. Very nice piece and great recommendation from khoihd. 

courant
119 posts
 
If you're amenable to selling the Apollo-R and doing an upgrade, the DAC in the Rega Saturn-R is tough to beat. The Saturn-R was designed to also function as a standalone DAC and handle numerous source inputs. Combined with the Elex-R and the LS50s, the Saturn-R would be a natural.

I auditioned the Saturn-R against an Auralic Vega using the store's Rega Osiris. I preferred the greater detail from the Vega and didn't need the CDP functionality. Had I needed the CDP, I would have gone with the Saturn-R without hesitation.

Hope that helps.
More to discover