Thinking of buying a new DAC - Shiit Yggdrasil?


Looking for some advice regarding a new DAC.  Currently, I have a Gustard x20u with all of the Rick Schultz upgrades.  I like it, it's a very nice sound.  I recently upgraded to Acoustic Zen cables throughout--nice improvement.  I also have a Primaluna Dialogue HP Integrated amp (only RCA connectors).  I have the urge to upgrade the DAC as I'm now feeling it's the weakest link in my system.  My budget is around $2500.  I was leaning toward buying the Holo Audio Spring KTE, but that's a bit over my budget.  I've read a lot about the Shiit Yggdrasil Analogue 2 and am leaning that way.  There are also a few used for sale here on Audiogon.  :)     My question to the forum is, do you think the Yggdrasil would be a significant upgrade in sound quality?

Thank you for your help with this decision!!!

My system:
Bryston BDP-1 (used with Roon from my desktop computer)
miniDSP SHD (for Dirac room correction)
Gustard x20u with EVS mods
Oppo 105 with EVS mods
Primaluna Dialogue HP Integrated Amp
Kimber Kabel D60 BNC
Acoustic Zen Absolute 75 coax
Acoustic Zen Matrix II interconnect
Acoustic Zen Hologram II Speaker Cables
Furman Elite 20 PFi power conditioner
100% Pangea Power Cords
smills59

Showing 1 response by jeffjazz

I’d say go for it. I had a Mimby before it. Still have it. It took my ears awhile to distinguish between both. Even while A / Bing them. Plus the Yggy was still breaking in and warming up, even considering I bought it used.  After a few weeks of listening on my highly resolving system (Eminent Tech. Speakers) I realized the Mimby had a midrange bump, wasn’t as dynamic and didn’t have the reach of the Yggy nor did it soundstage as well. Better detail with the Yggy also.All this saying the Mimby was better than every dac and CD player I had before it. Digital has come a long way in recent years, and these are my first R2R dacs. Definitely something right about that. I’m a professional musician and I know what piano should sound like.I did a ton of research before purchasing the Yggy. My wonderful wife said to go for it when I found one used. Yeah! It was a big purchase for me. I do remember reading somewhere that someone preferred the cheap Mimby over your Dac. Though I don’t think it had the upgrades yours did. I did research your Dac a couple years ago and almost bought one, but went the Mimby route. Also when I read above that the Denafrips “wipes the floor” on the Yggy, I don’t believe it. Better, probably (haven’t heard it). But from all the research I’ve done the differences are pretty subtle at this level.