2. digital
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DAC upgrade

Let me start by saying I am a vinyl guy, but digital streaming, particularly if I can achieve the right sound has many advantages. My 2 channel equipment is as follows: 

Rogue RP-1 w/ NOS Brimar CV4003, LSA Warp 1, KEF R11’s, Rhythmic F12SE, Pro-ject 1Xpression w/Hana ML, Rega Aria, Bluesound Node, Marantz CD6007, Schiit Modi Multibit 2. Good to very good power, speaker, interconnect cables.  
My weakest link (I believe) is my DAC.

My desire is the best sounding DAC below $2,500, but certainly don’t mind spending less. i want the DAC to be as good as my best current component. I don’t need a DAC with preampliflication, don’t need balanced, don’t need headphones, however I would not eliminate a DAC with superior sound with those features. I do prefer a small form factor.  
My current top contenders are:

Chord Qutest, Schiit Yggy, RME ADI-2, Topping D90 III.

The Chord checks all my boxes… reviews, sound, form factor, no unneeded features, etc and don’t mind its quirky lights… but, looking your thoughts/ recommendations.  Thanks!

 

 

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Showing 1 response by desktopguy

desktopguy
337 posts
 

(addressing the OP) It’s really up to you to specify your sonic preferences. In this thread you have solid recommendations for divergent types of DACs:

  1. Those that are highly resolving, "accurate," and detailed above all else (ie, Weiss; Chord; any other delta-sigma)
  2. And those that are musical, organic, and smooth, though not resolving quite as much detail (ie, Pontus; Ares)

Getting a really great DAC from the category that doesn’t suit your preferences would only waste time & money.

As for myself, I’m all in on NOS DACs. Have 3 of them and will never go back to delta-sigma. The best of my 3 on a technical basis is the Metrum Onyx. Easy to recommend that--but the recommendation only has meaning if you favor the sound in #2 above...

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