What’s the best DAC < 6k (system specific)


I have a decent DAC built into my SS integrated amp but think I can do better with a stand-alone. I’m looking for accuracy, definition and sound stage. Emphasis on sound stage. I have few vinyl albums and find that the ones that sound really good are quite expensive. So, trying to improve the streaming to it brings or approximates that magical HQ vinyl sound. Maybe I’m chasing a red herring but, from what I read, there are some boxes out there that can come darn close. Has anyone compared the Holo May KTE with the T+A DAC 200 or similarly priced products? I know the T+A is a little more but I don’t mind used too. I went from Border Patrol SEi to Ayre Codex to Ayre QB9 Twenty. When I changed my Pass Int 60 amp to one with built in DAC, I thought it sounded better than the QB 9. Actually the QB 9 had more detail than the amp DAC. However, Using the new amp’s (Hegel 590) DAC bypass, to my ear, the QB9 is somewhat fatiguing during extended sessions so, I’m using the smoother, marginally less detailed Hegel built in DAC. There are no places to demo equipment near me so, I have heretofore depended on forums such as this for decisions, of wihich have been very satisfactory thus far. I love pure jazz sounds like the guitar plucked from the fingers of Bill Frisell and John Schofield; the edgy sound of a tenor saxophone; the sultry female voices of Melody Gardot, Chantal Chamberlain and others. Enjoy classic rock as well.

My system:

Hegel 590 Integrated Amp+DAC

digital streamer pis Innuos Zenith MK3 with Innous Phoenix reclocker (strmg Qobuz)

analog is VPI Classic/Transfiguration Axia cart into Parasound JC3+
Magico A3 spkrs w/Audio Sensibility Statement cables.

I was using Audio Sensibility Statement silver interconnects for the QB 9 which I still have to use with a stand-alone.

I know that good sound is more often a matter of taste. However, I am still interested in the opinions of others in this forum and welcome yours if you have one.

Thanks in advance.

hysteve

Showing 7 responses by hysteve

dz13 what did you replace with your t+a 200 and how would you describe the differences? Are you thrilled with the t+a?

@audioman58 

I’m streaming Qobuz through Innuos Zenith MK3. I just researched Innous 2.2 and it allows me to use HQ player with the streamer as a standalone endpoint. So apparently I don’t need anything extra but the Innuos 2.2 upgrade. I have done several Innuos upgrades in the past and don’t know what level I’m at currently but, will check. Thank you!

when listening to the ayre qb9, your use of silver interconnects may also contribute to the sense of forward aggressive treble
 

jss49 wow! Exactly what I was thinking! You seem to have diagnosed my situation right on. Love this forum. I will study your recommendations. Thanks!

thebingster thank you and everyone else who commented. I’m waiting on stuartk’s ad. I hope the La Voce is better than what I sold already ie the Ayre QB9 twenty!

rx8man thanks for sharing. I don’t doubt that’s a fine DAC and that you enjoy it. For twice my budget you very well should. I like that it’s made in USA too. I’m sure that DAC, even if it could be found in the used market, is beyond my reach.

jackd

The S3 is No longer there at Audiogon but, thanks  for the insight. I’ll keep checking the markets for one to come available.

 

I finally popped for the “new” DAC. A slightly used t+a 200. Sounds mahvalus! But, has no hdmi. Trying to figure out how to listen to dsd as I gather it may be even better than pcm.