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Favorite DAC?

As I am pondering venturing into the DAC arena, there are a few that come to mind. My question is what is your personal favorite and why? Also, do you prefer the Solid State versions or the Tubed versions? Certain ones that I am considering would be the Electrocompaniet, AudioMeca, Levinson, Musical Fidelity in the solid state. In the tubed version would be like a Kora or an Audio Logic.

Thanks for all opinions.

Good listening,

Steve
sbachman
nguyenchiro
92 posts
 
I love my Stellavox ST2 DAC(the latest version!$1800.00)by Goldmund (it has a sound comes close to Golmund Mimesis 21 DAC ($11,000.00) which is paired up with my EMC1 UP 24/192 CDP even though the DAC is only 24/96 but it sounnds dynamic, articulate, musical and transparent (I do not even use the sub for my monitors Dulcinea). This is the best solid state DAC I ever have.
cmk
397 posts
 
I have found that the setup of all equipment, especially the ones responsible for conversion/amplification, to have significant impact on the sound. By this I mean that with good powercords with clean power, isolation devices, and interconnects, an otherwise mid-priced DAC can be made to sound superior to ultra expensive DACs.

Anyway, in answer to your query, the 2 brands of DACs which I prefer are the Meridian and Theta. Preferred powercord : JPS Digital AC. Preferred isolation : DH Jumbo cones on special composite material. Preferred power source : PS Audio P300.
jswillis73
5 posts
 
Musical Design's Dac 1A20 is a must hear
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,971 posts
 
Mhdt constantine
tpreaves's avatar
tpreaves
2,682 posts
 
Holy thread resurrection, Mapman !!!!!
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