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Upgrading to a stand alone DAC

I have the upgrade bug..lol.  I am considering purchasing a stand alone DAC as 60% of my listening is thru my CD player (NAD C568).  This was purchased new 3 years ago for $799.00.  My budget would be $1500.  Rest of system is the Marantz Ruby KI integrated amp and the Reference 3A de capo speakers.  Would I hear a significant difference at this price point?

wentz

Showing 1 response by yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara
5,026 posts
 

I have owned the following DACs in the last 5 years

  • Gustard X26 Pro
  • Topping D90SE (also the non-MQA version)
  • Musetec 005
  • Lumin X1 ($15k)
  • Schitt Yggdrasil+ OG
  • Schitt Yggdrasil+ Less Is More
  • Benchmark DAC3B
  • Audio Mirror Tubadour SE III

The items I have bolded are on the warmer side. The best of the warmer DACs for my ears was the Yggdrasil+ LIM which can be found used from $1700. I can only give a recommendation on the Yggdrasil+ since I have not heard the older versions of this model, non plus versions.

The best DAC I have owned is the Yggdrasil+ OG. It is not even close as to how much better it is over all the other DACs on my list. This model is not sold anymore but the replacement for it, the Yggdrasil+ More Is Better is supposed to sound somewhat like the OG that I have.

BTW - if anyone wants to sell an Yggdrasil+ OG send me a DM.

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