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Streamer with R2R DAC

I am engaged in a serious downsizing effort. I have begun to enjoy streaming (Qobuz, Idagio, etc) with a NAD M10.  Very nice (all in one), but I really prefer R2R ladder dacs.

So, are there any streamers with a R2R dac?  This would not be an all in one unit, I would add an amp or active speakers.  I have recently heard about the new Cary unit but too expensive.  Under $5K, new or used please.

Larry

clio
mi4
66 posts
 
George -

Any experience with the Aqua HiFi DACs?
big_greg
6,623 posts
 
I'm not George, but I recently acquired an Aqua La Voce S3 and it's fantastic.  Very natural sounding and musical.  Some of the other DACs I've had to compare to it are MHDT Labs Orchid (still one of my favorites), Auralic Vega, Mytek Liberty, Schiit Bifrost 2, W4S Dac 2 (my least favorite), and a few others.

For an all-in-one streamer/DAC, the TEAC NT-505 is a great unit.  Not R2R, but I much prefer the sound of the VERITA AK4497 over any Sabre based DAC that I've heard.
mi4
66 posts
 
Big_Greg - Thanks!

I have an Innuos Zenith MK III. Currently upgrading my amp/pre-amp and likely will go with an external DAC.  
kren0006
1,859 posts
 
big_greg,
How closely does the NT-505 get to the La Voce S3 in performance?  Is it a big or small gap?
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 


Be an interesting shootout, the Soekris Dac-541 at $1400 vs the La Voce s3 at $4750.
I know the Soekris has a very good volume control so you can go direct, but couldn't find if the La Voce has one. And that a big difference for me, as going direct creams going through a preamp every time when the dacs a good one, if not then preamps "can hide" not so good sounding dacs.

Cheers George  
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