Need help choosing a new DAC


With so many options for DACs these days, I'm having a hard time deciding on a new DAC.  Currently considering a MHDT Orchid or Pagoda, Denafrips Pontus II, Benchmark DAC3,  Schitt Yggdrasil, or Audio Mirror Tubadour III SE.  I don't need any options such as volume control, BT, or MQA.  I also prefer musicality over measurements.  I'm currently using a SMSL SU-9, which will be moved over to my office system.  I'm tired of moving it back and forth between systems. My bank account prefers the cost of the Orchid since the other options cost up to twice as much, but I can go as high as $2500.  I mostly steam Qobuz thru a Raspberry Pi 4, but also use a Cambridge Audio CXC v2 CD transport on occasion.  My preamp is a Don Sachs DS2 tube preamp going into a D-Sonic m3a-1200s amp feeding "Gunned" MMGs.  I mostly listen to the Grateful Dead, rock, jazz, and acoustic music. Which DAC should I get and are the any others I should look at? 

terrapin77

A lot to take in!   I listen to solely R&R, loudly, large room. Current system is Tekton DI's, SVS SB 4000 sub, Audiolab 6000CDT, Benchmark LA-4 Line Amp and a Benchmark DAC3B, Peachtree AMP 500  First and only DAC so far. May try in in a secondary system soon, while looking at another, MAYBE. A lot of GREAT choices and suggestions, Thanks to all.  Just want to share one thought, The Benchmark DAC 3B was a huge difference maker, WOW, just can't describe the audible difference, I could use all the terms, holographic, etc. But a huge difference, so audibly noticeable.  I believe a lot had to do with their line amp (LA-4)   30 day free trial, Made in NY  Very happy!   Robert TN

I really like my Exogal Comet Plus DAC can be used as a pre amp and can control two subs Lots of connection options and designed by the Waldi engineers Cost is $3,500 with separate power supply and l think just under $3,000 without

+1 for the Schiit Yggdrasil. I have had many, the Yggi is amazing for the money.

 

Fellow Deadhead here... 

I posed the DAC selection question to Schiit just yesterday and here is their (surprising) response:

I would like to incorporate a standalone DAC in my rig and was looking for suggestions.  Your prices are all very reasonable.  The top end Yggdrasil is a stretch, but I would be comfortable with the price of the Gungnir or lower.  If the Yggdrasil is heads above / end game DAC, I would consider it.  Looking to improve soundstage and 3 dimensional sound.

Also, I've been told that different tubes on my Freya+ would improve soundstage.  Could you recommend any tube upgrades?

My Rig:

Node 2i (Streamer/Dac)

Freya + Pre-amp

Krell Duo 300 XD Amp

Klipsch Forte IVs Speakers

SVS 4000 Sub

 

Music Taste:

High db listening to dynamic music

Rock, Jazz, Electronic

 

RESPONSE:

Tom E (Schiit Audio)

Dec 28, 2021, 9:21 PST

Hello,

In my opinion, I would go with the Bifrost 2. It's an outstanding DAC, maybe even better than the Gungnir in some aspects. Here is a link that you may find helpful as well:

https://www.schiit.com/guides/choosing-a-dac 

All the Best,
Tom E.