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Proper DAC Upgrade for my modest system.

Looking for some advice from people with lots more experience then me

My local dealer has recommended the RME ADI-2 DAC, or the New NAD 658. Buying a DAC is "hard". But was looking for some veterans thoughts. The NAD I could replace the Yamaha Streamer and get some money back.

Anyone have an opinion of the Wadia 122 DAC? I got one on clearance so decided to pull the trigger, its 100% better then the Parasound zDac Gen 1 I was running, but making sure for around the $1200 ( My budget ) price point I am making the right buy.

System is WXC Streamer --> Wadia 122 DAC -->AVR/Pre-Amp - B&K 125.7 Bi amped to KEF R11’s via Rocket 44’s.

I use Tidal for all content - I don’t do anything other then stream Tidal and some Apple Music if certain songs / albums are not on Tidal. Some day I might progress into "higher res" but the cost of files seems a low ROI vs Tidal at the moment.

Appreciate everyone’s insight on this topic.
128x128crock442
crock442's avatar
crock442 OP
19 posts
 
You made a good choice. It is a better DAC than the zDAC as you have already observed and it matches your system well. Your KEF R1
haha Solid advice, I pulled the trigger on the Wadia because I got it at a steal.. I think? I was just making sure in the say 800-1500 price range I wasn't missing some amazing purchase. It's only got about 30-40 hours on it right now and ( same with the speakers ) so it could sonically change for the better .... So I hear. haha

lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
5,417 posts
 
Nice speakers. The Wadia is a solid upgrade over the zDac. 

sdjeff
1 posts
 
You don’t need to go north of 2500 Get a used chord Hugo 2, that dac will provide a definite sonic upgrade, or a used mytek Brooklyn+ both can be had used for under 2k
crock442's avatar
crock442 OP
19 posts
 
You don’t need to go north of 2500 Get a used chord Hugo 2, that dac will provide a definite sonic upgrade, or a used mytek Brooklyn+ both can be had used for under 2k

Not sure I want to, or would see the benefit of going that high in price point. Might stick with the Wadia for now and maybe upgrade to a true Pre Amp w/ Balanced connections, or a better amp like a PS A51+ 

Was trying to stay under the 1500 range given my current system

luxmancl38
580 posts
 
I have the RME ADI-2 DAC and it really is a fantastic unit. I tested it against some DAC's at twice and 3X the price and the RME beat them all. Price and feature set is unbeatable. Plus there are features on this DAC you won't find in most DAC's. Don't know of any DAC's in the 1K category that have a 5 band Parametric EQ and a dual EQ function.
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