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Help with DAC choice....

Hi All,

Here's the situation... 

I'm a vinyl guy. Looking to add digital in the form of streaming and easy access to my hundreds of CDs collected over the years which have been recently gathering dust. 

The last couple of years has seen massive upgrades to my system with the focus being vinyl (Transrotor Rondino/SME/Airtight Coda). Time to get into the digital game just for variety of music and access to my full library. However, it has to be enjoyable to a guy that loves the sound of vinyl. Not trying to better, just looking to tap into the incredible access to music that is out there.. 

I'm 98% decided that I will get an Aurender ASC10 for the pure ease of everything in one unit. I want easy. I don't want anything to do with extra computer stuff. Ripping easily is important to me. The ACS10 meets all criteria. 

Now, the DAC is the issue and where I would love your feedback. I do not have much access to demo/home trial so it's a big leap of faith here and dependence on system synergy. My front-runner is the Aesthetix Romulus Eclipse. This seems to make the most sense. I have a Janus Eclipse pre and Atlas Signature amp (will be upgraded to Eclipse). Speakers are Rockport Atria. Tara cables/ic throughout. Critical Mass Sotto Voce rack. Room is not treated. Plan to move soon and will address at that time. 

Romulus has a built in transport which is a bonus (many claim this makes the Redbook superior sounding vs accessing a NAS). The big priority though is the DAC sound. Tube output is appealing but not essential. What would you suggest as an alternative that would complement my system? Greatly would prefer to spend less. Definitely not more. Looking long term. Thoughts on Romulus vs DCS Bartok vs Aqua etc..... Any other ideas? 

Musical taste runs the gamut from classic jazz, vocals to Sabbath etc. Not much classical. No Chamber or anything like that. Massive dynamics are not key as much as detail, space, texture and insight into the music. I enjoy many Chesky recordings if that gives a hint. I don't like clinical and don't like bright top end, preferring enjoyable non-fatiguing, well-balanced top to bottom with great detail retrievement as a window to enjoy the maximum involvement in the music. 

Thanks so much for any input anyone can offer. All opinions will be greatly appreciated. 

denjer1
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
r2r nos is a good direction to head

very natural, airy presentation - detail but not in your face

just do a search on r2r nos dacs... a good dozen really good ones out there, some with tube sweetening too!

good luck
soix
9,456 posts
 
I’d consider trying an MHDT Pagoda Balanced DAC, and even with upgraded tubes it still comes in under $2200.  You can get them through Linear Tube Audio, and I believe there is a 30-day return or trial period, which is super nice to have especially now.  Others to consider would be AudioMirror Tubadour lll SE and Denafrips Terminator.  

Many analog lovers find R2R NOS DACs to just sound more “right,” which is why I brought them up.  Hope this helps, and best of luck. 
denjer1 OP
45 posts
 
Thank you @soix and @jjss49. That's a great help. Appreciate the input and suggestions. 

Just starting to get a grip on all this. So much to learn. 
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,665 posts
 
Linear Tube Audio does not offer any kind of return or trial period for MHDT products. 
melvinjames
416 posts
 
If you purchase a DAC direct from MHDT via ebay they offer a 30-day return. Of course it's always a good idea to contact them directly for complete details on their policy. 
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