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

The sound is AMAZING!  Before I bought this system, I was a daily music listener via earphones, so music has always been an important part of my life.  I listen while I bike ride.  Sometimes when I don’t feel like riding I’ll go anyway just to listen to music.  But this is a whole new experience - here’s what’s good about my new sound:

-  Even a very low levels, the music is still very clear, vibrant, musical, enjoyable

-  The sounds are so realistic, I sometimes look to see if they’re in the room

-  Music I don’t like - such a Mideastern style music - sounds good, enjoyable

-  I stay up very late listening

-  I can’t imagine how it could be improved

I wasn’t optimistic about what I could achieve because if you look at my room description you’ll see that it wasn’t designed for acoustics.  Now, like a lottery winner, I’ll be ready to take another chance on a future upgrade.  Who wouldn’t?

And contrast that with another endeavor in life that I have - roasting, grinding and brewing espresso - where I’ve had exactly  one ‘great’ espresso in 13 years of daily brewing…but I still keep trying anyway.

OP,

Great!

Amazing isn’t it? There is almost no end to the improves possible.

I am going to submit the Theta Genviii s3 to this list as well, ask me or bulldogger as owners

@tcotruvo - Congratulations - great to hear of your successful outcome! I recently went through the same revelation when moving from computer-based to server-based digital. For those who are doubtful of the benefits (as I was), provided your system has good resolve, there is indeed a discernible improvement.