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Best DACs under $7,000.00

I'm tentatively beginning the search for a DAC upgrade.  Currently, I have Innuos Zen MK3 as a streamer connected via USB to a Denafrips Iris DDC that is connected via I2S to a Denafrips Pontus II DAC.  The Pontus II is excellent but I feel it's the one point where I could gain incremental improvement toward that illusive natural, layered, analog end-of-the-rainbow.  I simply can't / won't spend above $5,000.00 - $7,000.00 on the DAC. The rest of my system:  top-of-line Prima Luna Evo 400 Integrated Amp and a set of Harbeth speakers.  Right now, I'm looking at Denafrips Terminator II or Holo Audio May DAC.  I've never seen an a/b comparison of these two, but both stand out and have a following.  Of course, the unsettling thing is DACs have evolved so much and are still in a blooming state technologically, making it a given that whatever we have today will probably be surpassed by better for less later, like electric vehicles. But that's the nature of the beast.  Does anyone have alternative suggestions in this current climate?

gregjacob
jriggy's avatar
jriggy
549 posts
 

@tvad, agreed. Excellent wording change suggestion.
And after owning Daedalus Ulysses and Argos, I’d also theorize M3 over the M1. 

hondaron
16 posts
 

Sorry to ask the question but what about a Bluenode streamer, could this be upgraded with any of these fine DaC’s being discussed here.? I have a relatively low budget system with Anthem AVM70 processor, Revel M126Be bookshelves with a Velodyne sub, and a vintage 5 channel Adcom amp. 

hondaron
16 posts
 

Sorry to ask the question but what about a Bluenode streamer, could this be upgraded with any of these fine DaC’s being discussed here.? I have a relatively low budget system with Anthem AVM70 processor, Revel M126Be bookshelves with a Velodyne sub, and a vintage 5 channel Adcom amp. 

goofyfoot
1,325 posts
 

I agree with OP’s comments regarding changes in the area of new technologies. If I were interested in a DAC, I would try to determine whether there’s a good chance that the maker will offer upgrades in the future. Especially if you end up spending beyond the $3,500.00 number, you’ll want that DAC to stay current for at least ten plus years.

Also, I have a very good DAC but the addition of the ISO Regen and an XLR Akiko Audio tuning stick elevates it. These were not cheesy tweaks at all.

gregjacob OP
102 posts
 

To goofyfoot:

Good example.  As competitive as the market is, we benefit by discovering DACs that align with our budget and taste.  This thread is an example of that.  

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