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Upgrade DAC from AMR DP777SE

I have been using an AMR DP-777SE DAC which is now having intermittent reliability issues. I'm considering replacing/upgrading to either a
1) Chord Dave
2) PS Audio Direct Stream or
3) APL DSD ($$)

I need to buy used, and I'm comfortable with that. My hopes are for reliability, deeper soundstaging, timbre distinctions (ie violin & viola) and, most importantly, emotional engagement. I'm now 70, so my hearing ain't what it used to be.

I realize that responders are expressing their opinions, and my system synergy & sound room acoustics impact everything. I'm only looking for a DAC. I do hope to hear from you. Thanks from Olympia, WA USA

Current second system: flac & hi rez files→ APL DP-777SE→ Pass Labs XP20→ Pass Labs XA100.5's→ Ridge Street Audio Design Sason speakers. Cabling is all Jena Labs.
128x128rubinken

Showing 1 response by jond

jond's avatar
jond
5,687 posts
 
That's a really nice dac rubinken sorry it's giving you trouble no chance AMR can fix it for you so it works? Or are you just sick of the AMR experience at this point?

In terms of a new dac I can't comment on any of your choices but if you're looking for "emotional engagement" try to give a listen to an Audio Note dac if you can. I own an older model and it's about music and not technology. As always YMMV.
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