SMc Audio Ultra DAC. Thoughts and Opinions?


Greetings fellow A'gon members.
Recently an SMc Audio Ultra DAC has become available here for sale. I've read the review an older SMc Audio Ultra DAC revision on 6moons.

I was wondering if members could share their thoughts on the SMc Audio Ultra DAC. Either if you own or owned it or have listened to it previously I'd like to know your thoughts (Positive or negative) on the music it makes.

What DACs does it compare too? Do you need high-end gear to get the most out of it?

The reason I ask is that even at the lowered asking price of $1500 the SMc Audio Ultra DAC represents a significant expenditure for me and will be the most expensive piece of audio equipment in my entire chain. (More to follow.)
jedinite24

Showing 2 responses by jedinite24

Most of my gear is considered by many to be "mid-fi" and/or older quality gear from yesteryear.

I'm wondering if the SMc Audio Ultra DAC is too good for my system or would expose that my gear isn't high-end enough. Maybe it would show me that it isn't a synergistic match as well.

I know a lot of A'gon members here have pretty serious systems and $1500+ on a DAC is not much to spend but for me it is. Also from looking through the net I've seen the SMc Audio Ultra DAC being paired up with some serious and expensive gear. I'm wondering if what I have will match up well. I wish I could audition the Ultra DAC but the seller is cross country in CA.

What I have currently in my 2 channel stereo system.

Kavent S-33 preamp or a McCormack TLC-1 Deluxe (I'm still debating which to keep)
Oppo BDP-83 as a CD transport
DAC: Audio Alchemy DTI 2.0 to a DDE V3.0
Digital ICs: McCormack Wonderlink J cables
Amps: Red Dragon Audio Amp-1 Monoblocks
Speakers: Rebuilt KEF 104/2 speakers repaired by SG Custom Sound or KEF Q-90 (I'm still debating which pair to keep as well)
ICs: Outlaw Audio PCA cables
SCs: Zu Audio Mission
Power cords: Atlona Power 10 or 12 AWG cords.
Power conditioning: 1KVA Topaz Ultra Isolator and Tice Audio Power block.

Thanks in advance everyone. For some reason I could not post this entire message the first time.
Thanks both of you for chiming in. You definitely have me thinking about different types of DACs. I'm also following that other recent thread about new DACs and older DACs that you both have chimed in on as well.

I guess there aren't many members who have the SMC Ultra DAC or have listened to it and care to share their thoughts.