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 1 response by sturtm1

This list reads like the A+ category of Stereophile's recommended processor list.  So let me add the  PS Audio PerfectWave DirectStream DAC from that list.
I've had this DAC for 2 years now and really like it.  I've got it connected to a McIntosh MX151 -> MC452 -> B&W 803D2, which is my front speaker setup.  You can make it a network streaming endpoint using the Network Bridge II card, which I do have installed.  But I have to say it sounds a little better going through my old Mac Mini (2012) via a WireWorld USB cable.  Either way it's an excellent DAC and has the advantage of being able to upgrade it's firmware via an SD card on its rear panel, each upgrade does make it sound better too (it uses FPGAs), I've been through 5 firmware upgrades now and each as refined the sound for better.  

https://www.psaudio.com/directstream-dac

Additionally, I'm currently using Roon for streaming to it today, along with 4 other endpoints in my house.  When switching to Digital its software that is also worth a look. For me it really took the headache out of streaming and has made my listening experience fun without working to get music streamed reliably.

https://roonlabs.com