R2R next? Don't like ESS


Can you recommend a good 'starter' R2R dac?  I've been through a number of ESS Sabre dacs and they're not for me.  IMO, they lack a certain transparency that I'm after.  Point of reference:   The *only* dac that I've heard that is decent to my ears is a 10yr old Maverick Audio D3 w/ Sparkos OpAmp swap.  *This* was great.  Alas, I sold it because I thought I could do better with something newer.  

Geshelli's offerings have piqued my interest - the J3 in particular - but it's an ESS chip.  Wondering if I should make the jump to something R2R - Denafrips, Broder Patrol..  thoughts?

martinman

Showing 1 response by daledeee1

@drmuso when I looked Friday it said 20%.

Anyway, I just went through a review because my Topping D90 AKM4499 needs replaced.  The tariff has many people confused, including manufacturers.  I will list some brands that are good IMO. 

Border Patrol, Denafrips, Gustard, Holo to name a few.  You can find the model that suits your budget the lowest cost R2R i would buy is a Denafrips Ares.  Used $750.

I can never make up my mind.  I just purchased a Denafrips Pontus 12 used.  Used hold their value.  They have sold lots of them.  I would have purchased a new one but the current situation made me want to steer away from getting one here from China. People are selling any new ones at or above list.