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.

128x128tcotruvo

Congrats, you're at a perfect starting point. Now you can begin listening to a wider variety of music instead of equipment like many do here.

You join today so you can post that the best dac is a RME?

i always follow the advice of people who have 1 post... i ordered all those dacs from amazon just now...

i always follow the advice of people who have 1 post... i ordered all those dacs from amazon just now...

maybe you should just frequent ASR more often than here now that you have those DACs....Lol

hey my system is entirely asr approved

i sit in the other room and enjoy it on my oscilloscope

Love reading the DAC comparisons and sounds, but man...If my wife ever found out I was going to spend $150K on a DAC, she would say to me are you ____________  ____________!  Not saying a $150K DAC isn't good sounding, but will it be 149x better than a $1K DAC.