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

For giggles, try a used Schiit Gungnir Muultibit (A2 board) with USB 5 or Unison (latest) USB interface. These play very well with a nice setup like yours seems to be.

They have recently halted production (for now?), so you'll have to find one used, prolly under 1k. You may have to be a bit patient, as owners tend to keep these in their speaker based systems, many prefering them to the higher cost Yggdrasil models.

 

+1 for the Gungnir. I've had one for quite a while and it still sounds great. I have other dacs and I'm not a fan of Schiit (stupid name btw) but hats off for the Gungnir.