Yes, take a look at a review by The Absolute Sound. The host rates it very highly as “the difference between it and $35,000 DAC and streamer is subtle. This is an unbelievable praise for its not only digital but also analog output stage. You may give it a try if you believe the diminish return value proposition is so low.
My rule of thumb is that in order to upgrade (since I always research and find the best sounding component of my taste for the money) you must invest at least 2x the cost... and in the budget realm 3x. So I recommend looking at components in the $3K or higher... used is a good way to bring down the cost. |
In some cases, maybe. In my case turntables, cartridges, 3x or more was my last upgrade to get a transformative improvement. Significantly better engineering and materials cost a lot more and in some cases, is worth it. Electronics not so much. I just bought a new phono stage that cost 5X LESS than what it replaced. The NODE N130 (2021) is a ridiculous bargain at $400 and easily upgraded with an LPS, external DAC for very reasonable cost. While I have no doubt a $20K digital source will best my set modest digital set up and the $35K source bested the ICON in subtle ways, there is a LOT one could do with the $34K left over! @fosolitude If you decide to give it a go, report back please. Amazon allows 30 day returns. I did this with the Eversolo A8 at double the cost - no issues get a speedy refund. Just keep all packaging (obviously) and don’t remove any protective film. Take a pic of how it’s packaged.
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