Ideas for my next DAC....?


Requirements:

1- USB and Ethernet capable
2- Plays all/most hi-res formats
3- Can serve as my pre-amp/volume control with no SQ degradation

Price range: 6-10k used or demo

Tbh I'm really just starting to collect ideas to compare to my current DAC, which I actually like quite a bit, but just - as always - wondering "what else is out there".

Since retiring my Audio Note DAC, I haven't had a chance to listen to anything other than the DSD, which makes me itchy.  I loved the AN -- actually it sounded incredible -- but it's technology lost pace with the rest of my system (limited hi-res capability, no network connectivity option far as I'm aware, and I hadn't done USB so would have to send it in).
joncourage

Showing 3 responses by david_ten

+1 Ayre QX5-20

+1 Mytek Manhattan (II version)

+ 1 @dlcockrum 

Do people even bother to read the original post anymore....

@joncourage   Thinking ahead is smart! And not giving up on USB is also. Going the extra step to compare Ethernet and USB, is three in a row! 

As for the individual components...only you can go down that road. Your ears, preferences, system synergies, etc. etc.