I would buy one that can completely unfold MQA so you can take advantage of TIDAL. I can hear the difference and sold a brand new DAC that was attached to my Bluesound Node 2i in order to hear the complete unfold of MQA. The Bluesound sounded better by itself. Kind of like the Emperors New Cloths, If you don't think you can hear a difference after spending the extra money on a DAC, you think there must be something wrong with you. You also need to not listen to dealers who tell you they can't hear a difference when hearing MQA. They just want to sell something expensive to add to their sale.
Higher End DACs
I am looking for a DAC (potentially streamer&DAC) to be paired in a mcintosh system (c1100/611). Its my first foray into digital streaming and I have no need for a CD player.
I see a lot of love for Esoteric, however, most seems to be around their transports? Are they not as renowned for pure digital streaming and/or standalone DACs? I see DCS (for instance) often referenced for standalone DACs - how does Esoteric compare?
I see a lot of love for Esoteric, however, most seems to be around their transports? Are they not as renowned for pure digital streaming and/or standalone DACs? I see DCS (for instance) often referenced for standalone DACs - how does Esoteric compare?