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Suggestions for a replacement dac

I am considering changing dacs. I have a Black Ice Audio DSD dac that like all Chinese made products I have tried has had problems. That being said, Jerred at Black Ice Audio has provided the best customer service I have experienced in my 40 years enjoying this hobby. He is sending me a brand new replacement dac at this point in time. I do like the sound of the BSA dac, finding it better to my taste than solid state delta sigma dacs that I have owned with MSRP's up to $3000. I find solid state delta sigma dacs to be analytical and hard sounding. Again, I am just talking about my personal musical taste, so please do not take offense if you love DS dacs.

My budget is $1,000 for a new or used dac no older than 3 years, from a dealer or someone with a lot of feedback. The characteristics I find most important are:

1 Tone and texture
2 Rhythm and pace
3 Dimension
4  Large sound stage

I am considering R2R dacs and would like to get opinions as to whether they can match the sound characteristics I listed above compared to a tube dac. It would be nice to eliminate a little heat and warm up time.

I have read all the glowing reviews of the Denafrips Ares ll and would also like input on user experiences as to their reliability past the first year of ownership. That of course would be back to Chinese manufacturing.

Please do not make recommendations above my budget. If there is no alternative in my price range I will just keep the new Black Ice Audio DAC. I listen exclusively to streaming audio and I am not using my CD transport.

My system:

Unison Research Triode 25 

Audio Physics Classic 10

Bluesound Node 2i

Cambridge Audio CXC

Thanks in advance for your input.






mtloriginal
14 responses Add your response
mtloriginal OP
10 posts
 
I found some updated information on the Black Ice dac from Natural Sound.

"Black Ice makes many of their circuit boards in Asia, purchases critical parts like their custom transformers from Germany, and does final assembly and QC at their headquarters in Maryland."

Just wanted to post for accuracy. Still considering other dacs.


lpretiring
465 posts
 
 Had the Black Ice in home for about a week but returned it. Ended up buying a Topping D-90MQA. Felt it had better soundstage, along with improved transparency and yet is very musical. Have it for about 6 months working flawlessly. New current model is below your budget with money back trial available.
big_greg
6,646 posts
 
A little over your budget new, but the MHDT Labs Orchid is very nice.  
mr_m
1,900 posts
 
There is/was a Ares ll on Audiogon that started out at $1000. Guess the guy wanted to cash in.  :-)
bkeske's avatar
bkeske
5,597 posts
 
@mtloriginal 

The used Denafrips is slightly higher than the cost of a new one. Shipping is free on a new dac, though I don't know if there are import fees

I have a Denafrips Aries II. I do like it and recommend it, albeit I listen to vinyl at least 80-90% of the time.

In terms of the cost of a used Denifrips Aries, yes, I’ve watched this trend on the used market and you will find used Aries going for as much as a brand new one, more than what it may have originally cost the initial buyer, (based on the exchange rate at the time), or very close to it, AND they sell incredibly fast. Why? My guess is #1, they are a very popular and sought after DAC, and #2 some must like the idea of getting one (possibly) more quickly ‘locally’ than ordering direct. So, convenience. I’m sure I could sell mine today for as much as I paid or more, because there are folks willing to pay. Supply and demand.
mtloriginal OP
10 posts
 
Maybe I am missing something. When I go on Vinshine Audio's site there is only one Ares ll shown that has a "back in stock" label next to it. The dac is shown at 1098 Singapore dollars. If I click on the U.S. symbol it shows it at $812 U.S. dollars that equals the current conversion rate. I am not selecting the EU VAT option as I live in the U.S.

Feel free to correct me if my process is wrong.
tablejockey
3,916 posts
 
"The used Denafrips is slightly higher than the cost of a new one. "

mtloriginal- the listing is the current model. You may be referring to V1 that was $750?
mtloriginal OP
10 posts
 
I appreciate the responses. 

As chackster5 pointed out I listed this thread in the wrong category. Does anyone no a way to move it without starting a new thread?

The used Denafrips is slightly higher than the cost of a new one. Shipping is free on a new dac, though I don't know if there are import fees.

Staying away from Saber chips as they tend to be especially unforgiving of less than perfect recordings. In a Stereophile review of the Ayre Codex dac, the reviewer had to turn down the volume when playing a bright recording. My Unison Research Integrated is both transparent and livable with bad recordings. I want to keep it that way as I like the ability to listen to an almost unlimited variety of music streaming on Tidal. I am also more susceptible to music fatigue than most people.
tablejockey
3,916 posts
 
"I am considering changing dacs. I have a Black Ice Audio DSD dac that like all Chinese made products I have tried has had problems."

As long as you're still open to try things MIC, Denafrips Ares used 
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisaci60-denafrips-ares-ii-da-converters

excellent for an idea of R2R presentation. There are a couple of MIC tube dacs in the price range if you search. 



Post removed 
gdnrbob
4,447 posts
 
Ayre Codex is under $1K used.
Highly recommended.
B
three_easy_payments's avatar
three_easy_payments
2,097 posts
 
In this cost range and with similar sonic preferences I'm actually considering a Mhdt Orchid right now.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
You forgot to choose the right section of the forum, did you notice you’re in ANALOG section :) 
mtloriginal OP
10 posts
 
I forgot to list a Paradigm Seismic 10 subwoofer in my system. Important to note for base response. 
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