Audio Research - DAC9

@gadawg58 , thank you for your feedback. From what it sounds like the DAC9 should show its true capabilities after 200 hours. About DSD, there are quite a few high end DAC's out there that don't do DSD. Modwright is one of them.  

For me, Tidal streaming HIFI is more than adequate. However I am more excited about MQA streaming going mainstream this year.  

Finally, DAC9 review.  However, the lack of Linux support is very disappointing. The RigiSystems USB interface will not work with Linux based products from Aurender, Auralic, Sonore, SOtM, etc... None of these devices work with the RigiSystems USB interface...OUCH!!!

https://www.computeraudiophile.com/ca/reviews/audio-research-dac-9-review-r644/

Audio research is TRUE high end! Advice will be thin! I ask for Levison advice on here and never heard anything! Good luck! Admire your electronics taste!

I had the ARC DAC 8, and it also used a proprietary USB driver. Unfortunately it really did need the USB interface to sound it’s best, and was still veiled across the midrange and treble.

My Mytek Brooklyn spanks it easily, except when using the USB interface, in which case the DAC 8 stepped up a little, especially with Hi Rez.

I would strongly suggest anyone considering a new DAC 9 listen also to Berkeley, Mytek and Schiit.

The major benefit of the DAC 8 is really warmth. It was the warmest, BADA coolest.

By the way, the Mytek works great with Linux / USB 2.0 Audio compatible sources without external adapters.

Best,

E