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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?
ufguy73

Showing 3 responses by ldmr888

ldmr888's avatar
ldmr888
26 posts
 
For the DAC in the 20k range, I would recommend DCS Vivaldi II, or, TotalDac Twelve, or, Lampizator Pacific. Don’t like Esoteric DACs much myself, even I am playing their P-0s VUK transport. 
ldmr888's avatar
ldmr888
26 posts
 
DCS are just more musical than Esoterics in my system.  I am more into R2R DACs. 
ldmr888's avatar
ldmr888
26 posts
 
@ufguy73  I have been running two cd transports (Esoteric P-0s VUK, Forsell Air Reference CD Transport MKII) into TotalDac DAC, then feed Burmester preamp and 911 MK3 power amp before going to current speakers from Voxativ Ampeggio Signatures.  Interconnects are Tara Labs Zero Gold/Analysis Plus Golden Oval/Kharma Enigma.  Power cords are Stealth V10 and above plus several NBS Black Label IIIs.  I am using Ansuz D2 grounding station.  My Burmester amp is over power for the Voxativ speakers and I am planning to change soon, but still sounds beautifully musical.  Cheers!
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