How much should I spend on a new DAC

Hello Gents. What would be reasonable sum to spend on a new DAC relative to my current audio rig.

Speakers: Sonus Faber Olympica II

Integrated Amp: Pass Labs INT-25

DAC: Pro-Ject Dac Box S2+

Speaker Cables: Kimber 8VS Bi-Wire

Power cable: Kimber PK10 Base

Interconnects: Audioquest Tower

I must say I'm very happy with the music coming out of my speakers but It's obvious that the DAC is not the same league as the rest of the equipment.

celestial__sound01-19-2023 8:16pm

jonwatches1 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 125 posts 01-20-2023 at 12:37pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @celestial__sound Hi - my system is pretty similar, broadly, and I’m running a MacBook with Roon/Tidal as my source. When I upgraded from a DAC comparable to the Pro-Ject, I went with the Benchark DAC3, and am delighted with the choice. Hadn’t anticipated the difference would be so tangible and immediate. I don’t feel any desire to search further. Had the same reasoning on budget, btw I use Tidal, and decided I could live without MQA given how good the Benchmark is. Haven’t missed MQA (or, said another way, I’m so pleased with the sound that I don’t really care about further experimentation) Returnable if not to your taste (if purchased as an amazon prime member) (I Kimber Kable for everything (their second tier up) - figure it’s well built with good materials, and that’s enough mental investment in cabling for me) Let us know what you decide, and enjoy!