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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
 
I use Audio Therapy in NH, also stop by BB Magnolia once in awhile as they are a design center.
luxmancl38
580 posts
 
I thought so. That's where I go. Ask John if you can borrow the RME he usually has a demo unit available. . I have my RME w/a Bluesound node into a Luxman CL38U-SE tube preamp. Aerial 5T speakers and a Bryston 2.5 SST2 amp. I've dealt w/John for over 20 years.
crock442's avatar
crock442 OP
19 posts
 
I thought so. That's where I go. Ask John if you can borrow the RME he usually has a demo unit available. . I have my RME w/a Bluesound node into a Luxman CL38U-SE tube preamp. Aerial 5T speakers and a Bryston 2.5 SST2 amp. I've dealt w/John for over 20 years.
Sounds like a killer 2ch Setup! He thinks I should Demo the New NAD and the RME - I guess I need to let my ears do the listening - the Dirac Live on the NAD is interesting for sure. Trying to not go down the rabbit hole of updating.
luxmancl38
580 posts
 
John always has me demo equipment I'm interested in before purchasing. Makes a big difference in deciding what's right for your system. 
brewered
5 posts
 
Be aware that the NAD 658 does not YET have Dirac.  That ability should come in late Jan according to NAD.  I would agree with some others here that all of the DACs being mentioned here are pretty damn good and the differences are likely to be pretty fine between them - but the difference Dirac Live can make is NOT subtle.  It clearly sets the 658 apart a bit.  Add the preamp, phono input, BluOS and Roon endpoint ability, and balanced inputs and it is worth a look. Mine sounds great - but checking daily for the Dirac update...
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