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DAC Under $3000

I am considering the purchase of a new DAC. Budget is no more than $3000. I lean towards clear, detailed sound with good separation. In the past I have had PS Audio Stellar, Benchmark, and Merason Frerot. I thought all were good, but not necessarily "special". Suggestions please. Thanks!

gnoworyta
mickeyb
573 posts
 

Chord qutest. Outstanding. Under 2k

mr_m
1,900 posts
 

@macg19 ,

60 year old NOS Mullard tubes will make "anything " sound good!

humbertorami's avatar
humbertorami
12 posts
 

The non-upsampling LAB12 DAC1 is a no brainer.  Read the reviews. Maybe a bit over 3K but well worth it!

Also a real beauty!

https://www.lab12.gr/product/dac1-reference/

tksteingraber's avatar
tksteingraber
612 posts
 

+1 Lab 12 reference DAC (bought Mint  6 mo used $1800) with 1960 French Phillips (Mazda, RT, Dario Miniwatt) e188cc tubes is fantastic.

+1 Also have a Black Ice Audio DSD Glass DAC with 1950 Rca 12AX7 Blackplate It is really good and plays way above its price and doesn’t get a lot of attention. Bought 3 years back $650.  

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,825 posts
 

Love my LAB 12 DAC 1 Ref.    Bought new,  traded a preamp toward it ,cost about $1600 out of pocket.    One of my most musically satisfying components ever.  

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