This is a pretty tough ask as most R2R DACs tend to be just DACs. The only thing I can think of is the Gustard R26, but it’s well below your price target and not sure if the preamp section is fully balanced or Class A. Is there a reason you want/need everything in one box? Quality aside, it’s obviously also extremely limiting in options.
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@designsfx thanks for the suggestion on the Bricasti. I don’t feel like pushing it past 10k for now, but, will look to try/ land something used. @soix , looks like there are some rave reviews on the gustard’s (what a bizarre name) streamer+r2r dac sound quality, but, the preamp section is lackluster, it seems.
@pavel_dosko , I am of the belief that a integrated streamer+dac+preamp unit eliminating unnecessary cabling and non-merging of different design ethos’ from different manufacturers can churn out better in execution. I experience it in my multichannel rig....just looking to try that out in my 2 channel rig with some competent manufacturer. Indeed, it is never a good idea to throw any high power amp sections in the same chassis and that needs to be separate. |
@deep_333 Do you need to have non-digital inputs? If not, then I recommend a used dCS Lina Network DAC. This DAC streams directly from Ethernet and local NAS. The DAC architecture is their “Ring DAC” which is similar to R2R, although not “Non Over Sampling” (if that’s what you want in an R2R DAC). It can be run directly to Amp(s) by using the Mosaic control software’s volume control. The output is true balanced. Not sure the output is class A, but I know it sounds fantastic. Yes, I own one and I’ve stopped looking for something better. |
@rockrider Non-digital inputs not needed (turntable is sitting in storage)...Not sure what this "Ring dac' is and will need to read up a bit. Eitherway, I need such a piece to add more class A-ish liquidyy gooey lushness to atleast one of my existing power amps.
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I’m sorry, but at your $10k price level I completely disagree with this logic even leaving out the fact that you’re not gonna find the unicorn you’re looking for in one box unless you’re willing to relax at least one or two of your stated requirements. @pavel_dosko is absolutely correct that you should be looking at separates, and I’m sure others here will agree. What you say about built-in synergy and eliminating cables makes some sense but only up to a point and you’ve way passed that point. You won’t find what you’re looking for because it doesn’t yet exist so might as well resolve yourself that you’re gonna need at least two if not three boxes. Time to face facts and reality man. Don’t mean to be harsh here, just maybe a voice of reason FWIW. |
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