2. digital
  3. 162683-1665

Options for $1k or less DAC?

Hi Everyone,

My current setup:
Spotify Connect -> HiFi Berry Dac w/ hifiberryOS -> Bottlehead Crack w/ speedball -> Sennheiser 6xx 

I'd like to replace the hifiberry with a better DAC and switch over to Amazon Music HD to get increased quality of 24/192.  I recently purchased a S.M.S.L Sanskrit 10th MK II was was *floored* by the difference in sound between the 2 setups. 

My expectation is that the differences are mostly related to DAC with Spotify already streaming at 320bps.  The differences that show up between streaming services / quality is likely minimal.

My requirements are minimal to start with:
USB input
Analog Out
Nice to have:  Filters, more than 1 output.

So, where do I go from the Sanskrit?  

  
martinman

Showing 4 responses by big_greg

big_greg
6,708 posts
 
And how much does that Stockholm 2 cost?  Did you read the thread title?
big_greg
6,708 posts
 
The Schiit Bifrost 2 is quite good and well under your budget.  I have a TEAC NT-505 streamer/dac, MHDT Labs Orchid, Sony TA-ZH1ES headphone amp (which includes a great DAC) to compare it to, and have owned the Auralic Vega.  The Bifrost holds its own.
big_greg
6,708 posts
 
@jjss49 try a search for "rhetorical".
big_greg
6,708 posts
 
@jjss49 There are things I prefer about the sound of the MHDT Labs Orchid, it is smoother and a little easier to listen to than the Bifrost.  The OP asked about DACs under $1K.  If they can stretch their budget then the Orchid is more than worthy of consideration.  

In terms of the systems I have heard the Bifrost in, the first was in my friend's system which at the time consisted of a Line Magnetic LM-805iA and Harbeth 40.2 speakers.  One of the best sounding systems I've heard.  The system I use mine in is a small near-field system consisting of a Simaudio 600i and Harbeth P3ESRs.  In both cases, the Bifrost is using USB, which it seems to do very well.

Not putting down the OP's system, but at the level it is currently at, the Bifrost would be the best component in their system.

As to my hearing, I'll pretend I didn't hear that comment.
More to discover