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?
I'm having a Lampizator Atlantic 3 made and shipped to me right now. I have the Innuous Zenith Mk3 as music server and still have a Denafrips Iris DDC that I've been using with a Denafrips Pontus II (that I will be selling once the Lampi arrives). I haven't seen or read of anyone who has connected a Denafrips DDC model to a Lampizator and given a "before and after" review. So I'll be using a Callisto USB from Zenith to Iris then a AES/EBU connection from Iris to Lampi. Cannot use the I2S connection with Lampi. I'd be curious to know if anyone has put a declocker (of any type) in front of a Lampi. Before trying, I'm wondering if it's overkill. I can say that the Iris DDC made a significant audible difference with the Pontus II. |
When I bought my B3 I had a Phoenix USB connected with AQ diamond USBs but decided to sell it soon after. Of course everyone's setup is different but I got much more improvement by adding an NA ENO filter with a router on the input side of my Zenith. YMMV. |
chilehed Thanks for your input on this. I do have the ENO filter connected from ethernet line to Zenith. I have it direct-connected to a LAN wall slot fed from router in different room,no network switch, just direct connected. Like you found the Phoenix USB unnecessary, I will probably find the Iris DDC no longer needed as the cleaned up signal has gone through the ENO filter, the music server and the all the clock checking inside the Lampi. I'll try the Iris just for fun.anzaanimalclinic Did you find a genuine sound difference / major improvement between the ENO filter and the SOtM dCBL-CAT7u? It's a pretty serious layout to switch the former for the latter...
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