I have the same streamer, actually 2 of them, and they feed a tube DAC, the Audio Mirror Tubadour (for $1500 or $2800) and a Benchmark DAC3B ($1700). Both are amazing with the opticalRendu. The DAC3B is super clean and clear and the AMT3SE adds a nice bit of warmth and more analog sound, without sacrificing too much. I use the AMT3SE with RAAL SR1a headphones which need warmth and are one best "speakers" I have ever heard. The AMT3SE is great with the RAAL.
Looking for a DAC under 2k
I'm using a Small Green Computer Optical Rendu to bring usb to a DAC.
Looking for a new DAC around 2k new or used.
Recently, I had a Border Patrol Se-i which sounded beautiful with a great soundstage and a relaxed sound. Unfortunately, dynamics and bass definition were weak.
Next up, I tried the ifi Pro iDSD. Detailed and clean, but lots and lots of settings to play with. Became noisy after a couple hours and eventually stopped putting out sound and went silent. Can't deal with that kind of poor quality, but really would have prefer a little warmer sound.
I borrowed my Chord Qutest from my headphone system. Very good with my tube headphone system, and not bad on the speaker system, but would like something a bit more analog sounding, like a Border Patrol with dynamic punch and clearly defined, not muddy bass.
TIA, for suggestions.
Looking for a new DAC around 2k new or used.
Recently, I had a Border Patrol Se-i which sounded beautiful with a great soundstage and a relaxed sound. Unfortunately, dynamics and bass definition were weak.
Next up, I tried the ifi Pro iDSD. Detailed and clean, but lots and lots of settings to play with. Became noisy after a couple hours and eventually stopped putting out sound and went silent. Can't deal with that kind of poor quality, but really would have prefer a little warmer sound.
I borrowed my Chord Qutest from my headphone system. Very good with my tube headphone system, and not bad on the speaker system, but would like something a bit more analog sounding, like a Border Patrol with dynamic punch and clearly defined, not muddy bass.
TIA, for suggestions.
Showing 3 responses by yyzsantabarbara
The reviewer doing this review is one of my go to guys. The One to Beat: Gustard X26 PRO DAC Review (soundnews.net) I ended up getting this one yesterday ($1500) from SHENZENAUDIO. Got 30 days to return it or get rid of an existing DAC and keep the Gustard. |