Which DAC?


The most agonizing decision thus far in my quest for better sound is which DAC. Been reading for months with no opportunity to audition DACs in my area. I realize DACs are system dependent.
Preference: Accurate musical reproduction. Can't tolerate bright systems. Lean more toward analog - tube sound.
System: McIntosh tube preamp & SS amp. Merlin VSM w/Bam. Sony CD - toslink connection.
Looking At. Kora Hermes, Perpetual Tech P3A, Bel Canto Dac2, dAck Ack, Art DIO w/Mod and Channel Islands VDA-1 combo, Audio Note Zero (or any others).
Price Range Used/New: Under $800 if possible.
Have heard the MSB 24/96 on my system and too bright and mechanical for me.
Thanks in advance. Jim
slhijb

Showing 1 response by after_hrs

I just recieved the AVA Omegastar dac. Its connected to a Rotel 955ax...for the moment. Just breaking it in but, right out of the box its resolving everything, back wall reflections in the studio, etc.! Pretty crazy. I think after its run in I'll just float away. So far I'm floored. What a far cry from the econo-dacs a few years back. My first was a dac-in-the-box (slow, veiled, dynamically challenged) follow by the venerable Audio Alchemy DDE 3.0 w/DTI Pro-32 fully modded by Dusty vawter. So far there is no comparison between the AA power duo and the Omegastar DAC. I'll just say so far it has the most natural, grainless presentation I've heard in my system. That incl. the most expensive Camelot dac, at 3 or 4 grand. This is insanely close to top vinyl.

The other high-value DAC I was looking at is the Bel Canto DAC2. but Have not heard one...yet.