I am checking out these DAC's for my system

brbrock, I just added a used Denafrips Terminator to my setup and stream via Wiim Ultra. Although the DAC is 4 years old it is fabulous to my ears. It replaced a Cambridge 851N that broke twice. The Terminator brings more detail and much broader soundstage. I went with the Denafrips based upon numerous reviews and because I prefer the vale of used I was not able to demo any other DAC’s.

My other components:

McCormack DNA 0.5 amplifier

Manley Jumbo Shrimp preamplifier

Kef 104.2 speakers

@brbrock I don’t have a comment on DACs, but I do commend you on your choice of amp. I have the same one.

As you are confronting, there is ever-expanding world of high-performance digital-to-analog converters (DACs), there are numerous options ranging from $1,900 to well over $30,000. After an extensive auditioning process, I have two standout recommendations that deliver exceptional sound quality at their respective price points.

Linear Tube Audio Aero DAC (with Ray Reserve Tubes)

The first and most compelling choice is the LTA Aero DAC equipped with upgraded Ray Reserve tubes. This DAC embodies the warmth, depth, and natural tonality that tube-based designs are known for, yet it retains an impressive level of detail and transparency. With its refined presentation, expansive soundstage, and lifelike imaging, the Aero DAC effortlessly competes with significantly more expensive options.

Denafrips Pontus 15

For those seeking a near-reference-level R-2R DAC at a more accessible price, the Denafrips Pontus 15 is a stellar option. Representing a substantial upgrade over the Pontus 12, the Pontus 15 has been favorably compared by some reviewers to its more expensive sibling, the Venus, in terms of tonal accuracy, dynamics, and resolution. While it doesn't quite match the Aero in organic richness, it comes remarkably close, especially after an extensive burn-in period.

Critical Considerations: USB and Burn-In

To extract the best performance from either of these DACs, USB cable selection is crucial. While the Cardas USB is serviceable, an upgrade to something like the WyWires Platinum USB can be transformative, unveiling greater clarity, microdynamics, and soundstage depth.

Burn-in is another essential factor:

The LTA Aero DAC requires at least 200 to 300 hours of continuous playback before reaching its full sonic potential.

The Denafrips Pontus 15 arrives with 100 hours of factory burn-in but needs 500 hours or more to fully settle, with continued refinement over time.

@romanesq I won't be listening to music thru the TV just movies.  I do realize that my equipment is overkill for TV but might as well use it watching movies.  

@rkfaberdds Most of the DAC's I'm interested in are R2R DAC's.  Thank you for the info about Hifi Rose.  I have not checked into their equipment but have definitely seen people talk about them on the forum.  I will look more into them.

A few of us brought our DACs to Dave Raden’s for a blind shoot-out. We had a lot of fun, and this was more difficult than I had thought. Only Dave Raden knew which DAC was playing, and his switchbox worked well for this. Among the contenders were the LTA Aero, Denafrips Pontus II, HOLO Audio Spring 3 R2R, and the very expensive Grimm Audio MU2. The results were unanimous. The Aero DAC was the winner by a slim margin. The Holo Audio was close to the Aero, and the Denafrips Pontus was in last place. The quality differences between these DACS were closer than I would have thought.