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New to audio. Is there a good DAC that can produce layers of sound?

One of the Youtube audio reviews I watch as a beginner in audio system is Darko

He says during the Chord Qutest review that this DAC can produce layers of sound which is great

I kinda understand what he says because from my very first audio setup, which I returned due to awful sound of music this week, I could still feel some layers, maybe 2, from Post Malone’s song Deja Vu. Only, there were 2 clear layer, from 16bit 44.1 kHz signals from Sonos Amp, one very far back near the speaker and one right next to my ear. I thought it was amazing though. The speaker was SVS ultra bookshelf.

Now those are all returned to the seller, and I am looking for something more clear, musical, and awesome. So, the Qutest is one of the DACs I want to try.

But, if there is any DAC you, as a more experience audiophiles, would like to recommend to me for having great sound effect, could you please list some names? with brief description of the sound?

The price range I am looking for is about $1.5K or less. I prefer less. Used items included.

I am on a journey to setup an enjoyable sound system for myself and would like to see what others like.

Thanks!

K
yggy1

Showing 1 response by yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara
5,037 posts
 
If you are not using something soft further downstream from a Benchmark DAC1 then you may find it a little fatiguing. I have owned DAC1, DAC2, and DAC3. I would suggest a used DAC2. If you do not need a volume control in your DAC then Benchmark has a brand new DAC3 B for $1700.

I prefer a separate preamp or integrated vs a DAC with volume control (I have owned both types).

For a low cost you can try out the Peachtree Nova 150, 300, or 500 integrateds (includes a DAC) in the $1300 - $4000 price range. I use the Nova 150 in my office and it is rather good for the $1100 used I got it for. Just add speakers and a streamer like a Sonore microRendu (if you stream from a computer) and you have a Low Mass and Low Cost solution.

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