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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
12 responses Add your response
denjer1 OP
45 posts
 
Thanks for the feedback @doitwithlife. I'm checking out a DCS Bartok tomorrow and have been listening to an Aesthetix Romulus in my system the past few days.

They are both a lot of money. Found that the Romulus didn't move me the way vinyl does although it is clearly more than decent. Will be interesting to hear the Bartok. If it doesn't get closer to vinyl to make me want to listen on a regular basis then I may go a different direction and bring the price down and treat the digital as more of an occasional, convenience based source and leave the serious stuff to vinyl. 

Please let us know your opinions of the ACS10. 

Thanks. 
doitwithlife's avatar
doitwithlife
98 posts
 
I'd add another vote or for the DirectStream senior.

I've had it for about 1 1/2 years add very happy with a couple of noteworthy issues that might or might not be important. 

Also there is a fellow hear goes by Ozzy, he recently went from the DSD to a Lumin X1. Nothing like spending 10K+ to hear improvements. Check out what he has to say. Overall, he was finding a new found respect for the DSD although he felt the X1 was nicer, but then again 2x the price.

So the DSD issues to be aware of, if you care about MQA the only way the DSD does full unfolding is through the add on bridge. So if you plan to stream though the ACS10 you are only going to get the 1st unfold. 

I have the bridge and have been using it to stream. Does a pretty got job as a streamer but the software is not great and know to crash. PS is planning to replace 3rd party software soon. I've also heard that folks get better quality results without the bridge in and streaming from a good quality streamer.

I just purchased a demo ACS10 and will be planning to stream though it into the DSD. My internet is usually so bad I can't get the bandwidth to stream MQA files so no really loss for me. I'm hopeful that the ACS10 is going to sound better than the bridge but at least I will have a source when I can't stream

An audio friend came by to listen, he's vinyl and tubes all the way no digital. He walked away saying he liked what he heard enough that he would stream and move away from vinyl if he could get any internet. I felt it was more the rest of my system than any single component, but he was pretty sold on what he was hearing
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. 
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,681 posts
 
Linear Tube Audio does not offer any kind of return or trial period for MHDT products. 
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. 
soix
9,563 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. 
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
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
denjer1 OP
45 posts
 
@soix can you list some examples that would work well with the Aurender and my system? Thank you. 
djones51
4,947 posts
 
Cocktail X45 pro does everything and has a DAC. I believe you can record from a turn table as well as RIP CDs. 
soix
9,563 posts
 
Given your preferences, some of the better R2R NOS DACs might also be worth exploring.  Best of luck in your search. 
denjer1 OP
45 posts
 
Thank you for your input. I've not considered the Senior. 

I'll clarify, I like to play at good levels but sheer dynamic impact is not my biggest concern. That said, I do value bass control and definition of sound. 
jim204
881 posts
 
I always hate being the first to answer a new thread but here goes , i would go with a PS Audio Senior DAC as i did a little while ago. You say that you don't listen to much classical but if truth be told that is all I listen to . My friend on the other hand is a classical and jazz buff and he has another senior like me but he also has a great detached house at which he can crank up the volume irrespective of time. He has experimental line source speakers and a couple of subs that can really trawl the lower depths and his Jazz stuff really does sound impressive. What I am trying to say is the PS Audio Direct Stream DAC is a super DAC with airiness and loads of detail and it does not fatigue you once broken in and you get a new DAC each year with firmware updates that further  it along . It is a lot more DAC than it's retail price.
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