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Best used or new DAC under $3500

What would be the best DAC for under $3500, new or used? I currently use the Chord Dave and I LOVE it. However, I'm looking to downgrade to save some dough. Some reference points:

1) Yggdrasil:  Sold it as the staging was too narrow/flat and it seemed a little lifeless
2) Ayre QB-9 DSD: Feel its a bit too bright/tizzy - at this point I'm done trying Sabre DACs.

Can anyone recommend a DAC that is not a mainstream sabre chip based DAC? I dont mind it if its an older generation or vintage DAC either - Just something I can get for under $3500. I don't want a discussion to defend Sabre DACs please.

Thanks!

jozurr
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
Congratulations. Its always very satisfying to find something you like so much and stay well below budget. Enjoy. Its supposed to be a great DAC, especially for Redbook CD playback.
jond's avatar
jond
5,691 posts
 
Nice Wig and glad you're enjoying it so much! Love that type of filterless minimalist design.
xrayz
105 posts
 
@wig  I'm looking at the BorderPatrol myself and will be interested in any further impressions you have!
hondo's avatar
hondo
22 posts
 
I recently purchased a Border Patrol DAC SE with USB + SPDIF.  My wife's usual comment on my HiFi system changes -- "they both sound good".  She did not know that I had the BP and said -- "that cd sounds like vinyl".
 
To me, the BP moves digital toward an analog sound.  I am really enjoying this DAC.  
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,236 posts
 
Hi Wig,
Congratulations on obtaining the Border Patrol SE (BP) DAC. As discussed in earlier posts I thought there was a very good possibility that you would be nappy with it due to its natural sonic character.

It is an effective communicator of music and allows a emotionally engaging connection with the music. It doesn’t error in the direction of "hyper detail" which most often results in an analytical or clinical hifi sound that isn’t musically involving. The BP will allow very enjoyable listening for hours and won’t fatigue your ears. 
Charles
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