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Quest for an external Dac has resulted in me way down the rabbit hole

Hi audio wizards!  I’ve read several articles and reviews about the benefits of a good quality external DAC, and the potential for “real” improvements in musical quality in a current system. I do believe my system might be in line .  I currently have a Rotel 955 CD player I like, a nodeii and a Creek evo 100 integrated amp.  The Ohm 1000 speakers sound a little lean in the top end although I do like them overall.  At this point I’ve been looking for a Dac that would bring a little more “spring and liven up my system”.  However, the more I research, the more confused I get.  I’ve been to a couple higher end stereo stores and I seem to just get the “party line”.  I live in Denver Colorado, and although I like the PS Audio line I can’t afford them.  If any one has any advice for me on a good quality external     
Dac model for under $1000 (new or used) I could sure use the help! Thank you

 

128x128dbwinters
jayctoy's avatar
jayctoy
3,769 posts
 

The balance on Ares DAC is even better, I am using  Audioquest water xlr using Schiit Freya plus preamp.

ronboco
749 posts
 

@dbwinters 

Which stores in Colorado did you visit ? I’m in Colorado too. Jess over at Soundings is great. Andy over at Listen Up is also really good to work with. Did you visit them by chance? 
 

Ron 

dbwinters's avatar
dbwinters OP
11 posts
 

I haven't been to Soundings yet, I liked them but wasn't sure if they were focused on home installs now (that's what I heard

ronboco
749 posts
 

Soundings is a little pricier. They have Boulder , Chord and HiFi Rose Dacs that I know of. I’m using the DAC in my 866 right now. It’s been a while since I’ve been to Listen up so you will probably know what they carry better than me. I know Aurrender is one of their brands. Andy works in the Boulder store and he did tell me he was changing positions to focus on home installations but I can’t imagine they would treat someone like you or I with any less importance. I was calling him to get prices on REL subs. Good luck! 
 

Ron 

plaw
80 posts
 

You may want to go to Crescendo Fine Audio.  Among others, they have the Chord Qutest.  I really liked it when they let me audition it at home.  I have a PS Audio Direct Stream and the Chord was almost there.  My son has the iFi and it sounds really good.  I have heard the Schitt Modi in my son's system, it is OK.  Good value.  I have been burned by several manufacturers - they all have two things in common:  No returns.or Warranty not transferrable.

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