Let's Talk DAC's


My current DAC, the Chord Chordette Qute HD is getting on with age and I am looking for a new one with superior performance. So far, I have narrowed down my search to five DACs. At the low end is the Denafrips Ares II and the Eversolo DAC Z8. Mid range the RME ADI-2 and at the top end the Chord Qutest and the Denafrips Pontus II.

This is for an all-digital setup in a 12x12 dedicated room. I have a much larger room with a much "bigger" set up, but for this room it is a simple PrimaLuna Prologue Classic integrated, Audiolab 6000 CD transport, ProAc Tablette 10’s, and a REL T/5i Subwoofer. I plan to add a streamer as well, but that is for another discussion.

I am conflicted with the choice between a delta-sigma modulated DAC and an R2R type Dac. I do like the FPGA technology in my current DAC. It has served me well.

I am certainly open to other ideas and welcome comments from those of you that have experience with this equipment.

I forgot to add; I like a wide and deep soundstage and good imaging. I also hate a rolled off high end.

 

 

 

 

desperado915

Showing 7 responses by desperado915

The Pure Audio Lotus DAC 5 is within my budget. I will look into it. How good is the imaging? I am an imaging junkie and in a small room with the diminutive ProAc's imaging is a priority for me. 

@oddiofyl- Good advice. I definitely want to buy from a retailer that allows returns.

Too bad the Chord Hugo TT is out of my price range-looks real nice.

@oddiofyl- Which one is an improvement in your opinion? 

 @Soix-That Pegasus is definitely a contender. What is a DDC? Pardon my ignorance

Some great responses here. Many thanks! I am assuming that I need a DDC if I am streaming via USB from a CPU. Is this assumption accurate?

 

 

This went south quickly.

 

Someone suggested that any of the DACs I mentioned are more or less a lateral move and he is probably right. Just gonna punt.

I agree with you. About anything in my price range is pretty much a lateral move, so I am upgrading with a Teddy Pardo LPS.

Point well rendered @creativepart. Right now I am down to the Qutest and the new Geshelli labs J2 with AKM 4499 and Sparkos opamps. The Qutest is double the price of the latter though.

I am definitely getting a linear power supply for my Qute HD and I am still going to buy another DAC. I have two systems; a "big" system and the previously noted "small" system.