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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
celestial__sound
102 posts
 

Holo Audio Spring 3 - measures awesome, sounds even awesome

lucmichaud1
27 posts
 

After 49 emails exchanged with Audio GD about a R1 dac, they asked me to send it back at my expense for a refund.

Idid, mentioning what I had paid for it. The Chinese customs wnated to apply import duties based on that amount.  

 

Audio GD sais they told me to lie and put a low 100 $ value. They did not tell me that and refused to pay or clear the matter with Chinese customs, who eventually forcibly destroyed the unit. Netither DHL or Paypal assumed any responsability.

 

Audio GD has some nice products, but no business ethics.

 

The DENAFRIPS Pontus I now use is detailed and not fatiguing. Much more open than the Audio GD. R2R generally don't have this ringing that I hear on oversampling DACs.

 

uncola
58 posts
 

Audial S5 is a great multibit non oversampling dac using the tda1541a chip.  Great non bright treble.  Perfect synergy with my bliesma beryllium tweeters

willywonka
237 posts
 

@lucmichaud1 That is very disturbing and has somewhat soured me in buying a Chinese DAC. I was going to buy a Holo Audio May today but may need to rethink my options. Even though your problems were with Audio GD, they have no control over Chinese Customs.

liquidsound's avatar
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liquidsound
153 posts
 

Another happy BorderPatrol R2R DAC owner and I know Gary Dews personally.  He's terrific and always looking to make improvements to his equipment.  In fact, I have two of his DAC's.  You really can't go wrong, and I seldom see these for sale, so if you find something you like better, you can always sell it.  Highly-recommended !  

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