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How do you make a final decision on a DAC

Thank you all for helping me along the way. I've been trying to decide on a DAC for my 2 channel system. I listen to JUST R&R  60's, 70's, 80's more or less and stream from my windows based Pc Via Amazon HD (which I really enjoy)  loudly currently through my Benchmark DAC 3B, and my Audiolab 6000 Transport. Associated equipment:  Should be here this week after waiting 7 months, ATI amp, 6002, Benchmark Line amp LA-4, Tekton SE Double Impacts and an SVS sb 4000 sealed sub. Really enjoy.  A ceiling of 5K is somewhat available, # 1 choice is Denafrips Terminator 2, (a little nervous as once you order it's yours) Audio Mirror Tubadour 3 SE, Aqua La Voce 3.  Don't really want a preamp/Dac combo, just a DAC. Listen in a very large shop area with great acoustics. ( just by chance.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Pulling hair out at this point, what little there is.  Thanks as always    Robert TN   ps service is a big priority!!!!

robshaw

Showing 1 response by arafiq

arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,702 posts
 

After trying a number of DACs - Chord Qutest (owned), Topping D90 (owned), Luxman DA-06 (owned), Audio Mirror Tubador III (owned), T+A DAC 200 (auditioned at home), Border Patrol (borrowed), Audio Research (GSi75 built-in DAC) and a few others -- I finally settled on Denafrips Terminator 2. IMO, it provides just the right balance between the so-called analog sound (think Border Patrol, AMT3) and the neutral/highly resolving sound signature (think Qutest, Topping D90, Benchmark, etc.). Plus the various filter options allow you to tailor the sound to your liking.

It does 'detail' as well as any other DAC I've heard but without losing that 'organic' touch that is usually provided by the analog-sounding DACs. I also feel that it provides the widest and deepest soundstage of all the other DACs that I have owned or auditioned. Lastly, the build quality and the overall fit and finish are incredible given the price.

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