what dacs are fast, lively, energetic?


have a 5k budget for a fast sounding dac

seeking some recommendations please

 

audiocanada

For the perception of speed you don't need to spend much. Delta Sigma DACs maximize speed and resolution...if you wanted depth or a DAC that resembles analog...then you need to spend. 

RME ADI 2 FS & Benchmark make good non-Chinese Delta Sigma DACs with good volume controls. 

@audiocanada, I use a Chord TT2 DAC with a Chord Hugo Mscaler in a system that I put together from isolated wall outlet to my Focal Utopia hp’s and my living room speakers specifically because I enjoy Chord’s speed, musicality, instrument separation, and soundstage. I’ve demoed DACs from Topping to a dCS Rossini Apex stack, mind blown, including Benchmark, Holo May, Hegel, Weiss, and the Mola Mola Tambaqui which I thought sounded really good too. I simply like the TT2 and MScaler’s sound better for the types of music that I listen too. Good luck tracking down what tickles your fancy. 

I agree with those who are wondering about the pairing of “fast” and DAC. I have a Linn Klimax with Dynamik (2018 generation). Musical as hell, lots of air and separation. It is indeed capable of fast, but musical is the attribute that best describes it.
 

It is also insanely expensive new. I got mine on the used market and now will be sending it in for the Organik upgrade. The PS Audio DirectStream (original version) went to a backup system. No comparison, the Linn is night and day better (at 4x the cost). 

Squared 80 has a point and is squared like me. Lots of great DACs you can test drive before you buy.