If your budget is around $4k get a DCS Debussy you’re welcome! If you have an $1500 more get an aurender streamer.
Relaxed/Analog sounding DAC for under $10k (used or new)
Hi all. I'm currently using an Allnic D5000 DHT DAC which I got to replace a denafrips Pontus II not too long ago. While I do enjoy this dac, it can sound a bit forward in higher frequencies at times and can get a bit fatiguing. The 3A5 tubes are a bit finicky and don't last especially long either. It seems to sound best with coax input and with native DSD files, but my streamer only has USB output, and I exclusively stream via Qobuz with no DSD albums, so I'm not sure it's the best long term match from a synergy standpoint for me. I get the feeling that it was designed around being used primarily with a CD transport, which is not something I am interested in ever adding to my system.
My primary listening setup is centered around analog vinyl playback, so that tends to be my point of reference. I prefer laid back and musical sound versus striving for absolute detail retrieval that can sometimes come off a bit too clinical or harsh to me.
Going through various threads, some things stick out to me - T+A D200, SW1X, etc. I've also heard some Lampizator DACs that I liked (though mostly their very high end models that are outside my budget). I know typically people recommend R2R for a more 'analog' experience, but I also know that that is not the end-all-be-all with DACs, and implementation and intention matters a fair amount more. There are some DAC manufacturers that design their DACs around being used with CDs and don't care for streaming, so their performance is not optimized for use with streaming, etc.
Please do not turn the thread into a debate about the merits of R2R vs D-S. Not really relevant to me and I am mainly looking to see what ideas people toss at me.
Anyway, as a TL;DR, looking for a DAC that satisfies these points:
1. Leaning more musical/analog sounding, with a focus on laid back sound that is non-fatiguing;
2. wide soundstage and fantastic imaging;
3. Optimized for PCM streaming audio + USB input;
4. Ideally under $10k (new or used);
5. Black chassis option
Thanks!
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@mmcgill829 many interesting suggestions here but I highly recommend the Bricasti M1 SE as it’s exactly what you’re after
less costly option Mytek Manhattan II similar to the Bricasti, but not quite as elegant must by the II. |
I recently got a t+a DAC 200, subsequent put an uptone switch and optical module and then added a good power supply for the switch. Picked up everything used and reasonably. I think I’ve finally found what I’ve been tweaking for, ie a very clear defined sound stage where I can point to instruments and voices between the speakers. It’s very difficult to stop listening (a “drug”). 😆😆 FYI prior DACs were border patrol, Ayre, Hegel built-in. |
- 71 posts total