Too many choices for R2R DACS--opinions appreciated


So I've decided to treat myself to a new DAC to celebrate a rather significant birthday coming up, and I'm very intrigued by the new generation of DACs employing R2R technology. Reviews have been unrelentingly positive, but I have way too many choices now, so I'd appreciate some opinions from any of you who may have had a chance to compare some of them. Price range: about $3K (with some slight headroom if the right DAC warrants it). I've looked at reviews for Audio-GD, Denafrips, Sonnet, and the new one from Jay's Audio (which doesn't yet seem to have any reviews that I can find). 

I'll be replacing a DAC that I actually really like, an Abbingdon Music Research DP-777 (not SE) which I've had for a few years now, but from what I read about the R2Rs, they appear to produce a sound I might like even better. 

Listening preferences: mostly classical, some folk, some Broadway, and I never  totally outgrew my taste for the good ol' rock music I grew up with. 

Rest of the system: Modwright KWI-200 integrated, Cambridge Audio CXU disc spinner, Ryan R610 speakers, Rel S2 sub. Cables: Audience & Cardas. (This all might be a bit TMI, but let's cover all the bases).

Your opinions gratefully received. Thanks!

 

cooper52

Showing 3 responses by tweak1

Im watching an impressive in depth review, including what's under the hood: titled Holo Spring 3 R2R DAC  - Punching Up! on You Tube

The spinner is a huge weak link in revealing what any quality dac can reveal, compared to much newer designs. I, too thought I needed to upgrade to an R2R from my Audio Alchemy DDP-1 + PS 5 dac/pre when using either a Marantz HD-CD 1 or Oppo 105 with ~$500 in aftermarket power supply area upgrades.

The Marantz mechanism died and I replaced it with a Audiolab 6000CDT (MSRP $600). Comparing it to my 105, playing the same disc, but the hybrid layer vs the SACD layer, the 6000 was a very clear winner, so I sold the 105. If you have $3K to spend consider the new Project spinner

hth

Im in the same boat, but yesterday I watched a YT review from PassionforSound, an Auzzie who compared Spring 3 KTE (R2R) to the Shiit Yeggy, but preferred it, even though it isn't R2R. Keep in mind Mike Moffet has a long history in dac design

hth