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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 3 responses by rubinken

rubinken's avatar
rubinken OP
102 posts
 
Emotional engagement is certainly the #1 experience I'm looking for.  Whe I purchased my AMR DP-777SE, I compared it at length with the Luxman DA-06. They were both fine, but I clearly preferred the AMR.

 I seem to be going through a series of odd problems, which I prefer not to deal with. Audio Note DAC's were not on my short list.  I'll look into them. Buying used adds a complication where a/b listening is not available to me.
rubinken's avatar
rubinken OP
102 posts
 
Thanks fsonicsmith,
I'll be curious to hear back from you. Have you had a chance to compare your 777 to
1) Chord Dave or
2) PS Audio Direct Stream or
3) APL DSD ($$) ?
I certainly enjoy the sound of the 777SE, but intermittent problems are making me a tad crazy.
rubinken's avatar
rubinken OP
102 posts
 
Thanks soix, I have never listened to or compared r2r DAC's. With this friggin'plague, it's not as easy as it used to be. Thanks 
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