Upgrading to a stand alone DAC

@baylinor 

I do have a tube preamp, but it's not real tubelike. It's a Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL preamp. Solid state amp. 

I have selected cables, etc that work with the R26.

I think it comes down to personal preference. I think they are both good dacs. 

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.

Border Patrol

A used PS Audio DSD Mk1 is available for ~$1500 used

The totally revamped Denafrips Pontus 15 

is no longer a slight upgrade like the 12 th anniversary was ,which I heard it side by side, it is a Substantial upgrade 

and it s around $2k. they are running a summer special .maybe a $100 off

my friend bought one and it is reallly good if you like your music a bit warm as this is a R2R dac it is a solid 5%+ better or more with great full bass and deep image depth .I heard it with 175 hours on it and 300 hours is recommended stretch your budget .in our audio club I hear most everything out there if I want to travel  a Best Buy in the $2k range .