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DAC upgrade suggestion

I am currently using a Audio-gd nfb 3.1.  The information below.  I bought a Topping DX7 pro based on the good data in audio science review.com.  When I first use it, I can hear the difference immediately.  It is more dynamic, bass is more punchy, sound clearer.  It sounds great.  But after listening for a longer time, I feel a bit fatigued.  I can compensate it a bit by switching the tubes in my amp.  Then, I need to return the DX7 because the Bluetooth doesn’t work.  I plug back in the Audio-gd, and i can confirm it is not fatiguing.  It is less dynamic, but also smooth.  Now, I am confused on what I should upgrade.  Several Audio-gd DACs are reviewed by AudioScienceReview.com and the data is very bad, LoL.  I know the bad data doesn’t mean it sound bad, but should I avoid DACs with good data?  How should I pick my next DAC?  It seems R2R DACs maybe a good choice for me since many people says the sound is more analog-like.

http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/dac/NFB-2/NFB2EN.htm
gte357s

Showing 1 response by dsper

dsper
663 posts
 
I think your system determines what DAC sounds good with it.

My Thiel CS5's, yeah they are old speakers, can sound a bit piercing in the treble if one is not careful with equipment matching. 

I tried several DACs in the $1K to $2K range and they seemed a bit "tizzy" to me in my system. I settled for a Hegel HD25, which came close, but it still was not quite right.

Took a chance on a old Theta ProBasic III R2R DAC for like $500 about 18 months ago.Sounds great to me with a PS Audio PWT. Not sure if it sounds more analog like, but to me in my system, it is a bit smoother with no loss of detail. 

Thanks for listening.
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