There are many DACs out there, ranking is almost impossible, we would never agree on criteria. In the dollar range suggested by the the OP, something like the RME ADI-2 DAC would be a contender, very well regarded. Brands like Schitt, Denafrips and Holo Audio are also in the mix. Chi-fi options from Topping etc definitely worth considering as well.
Now if you want to add streaming, well that opens a whole new can of worms, Bluesound Node is a contender at an entry level, from there you might look at Matrix Audio, Lumin, Auralic Altair G1 is a bit of a Swiss Army knife and worth considering for a few more bucks. My DAC of choice atm is an Auralic Vega G2.1, a great DAC with streaming capability, a bit more cost but not drug money.
Is there a DAC ranking list?
This is a follow up from my previous thread seeking more definition and presence in my music. Among other ideas, I was advised to get a new DAC and several brands were tossed out from $100 to $1700+. The world of DAC’s is large, and I’m wondering if there’s a ranking list for them, similar to Crinicles list for earphones. I especially like the value ratings on that list, such as “Redefines the price bracket.”
Here’s a recap of my scenario:
I listen to jazz at lower volumes on radio.garden.com via my Apple iPad pro
My room is big, 20ft by 40ft, no carpeting or drapes, with a corner LP triangle
Apple AirPort Express Wireless Router a1392 300Mbps
B & O BeoLab 8000 powered speakers, 10ft from the LP
Hsu ULS15 Mk II 15in sealed sub imid-room
Paradigm Monitor Series 7 12in sealed sub mid-room via wireless transmitter
Monoprice cables 10ft and 25ft, 22awg, 3.5mm plugs to RCA connections
I am sure there are many good and great DAC’s out there. But are there some that punch above their price category? I also don’t want to pay a premium for one that exceeds the quality capabilities of the rest of my system.
My music sounds “A++” with my Moondrop Blessing headphones, so listening to radio.garden.com on my iPad is giving me the quality of sound that I am seeking for my speakers.
Also, I don’t know if I need a DAC with a preamp or a streamer. Thx for any ideas you might have that could help me.
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@worldwidewholesales Can you explain / expand upon this recommendation in more detail? Thanks.
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@jerrybj is right. John Darko still maintains the DAC ranking list. It is available to subscribers of his via Patreon. If I am not mistaken, it is available to those that subscribe to the US$10 tier. Personally, I found it useful. |
I would second Musician Pegasus mentioned here earlier, great modern DAC design by a team who know what they are doing and a solid investment at £1000. I'd say it's a steal compared to some popular DACs. A versatile, robust R2R DAC that punches well above your current system. You may add their Andromeda headphones amp later and further upgrade the system, and the DAC won't be a weak link by any measure. For just £850 on a used market it is way above the level of you current digital source. I am using the Aqua La Voce S3 R2R DAC which is excellent at 4x the price, and can easily recommend it, but I could easily live with the Musician Pegasus also, it's a proper DAC. |
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