DACs with Preamp Stages, Pt 2


First, I’d like to thank everyone who responded to my last post on DACS that do well without a preamp (https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/dacs-that-do-well-without-a-preamp?utm_source=sendgrid&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=website)  

The responses led me to consider several DACs I had not originally had on my radar, particularly RME-ADI 2 FS,  soekris 1541, Bel Canto e.One  2.7, and Hegel HD30.  

Recently, I also had a chance to hear a used Auralic Vega DAC, and thought it sounded very good, especially at  a price point of ~$1200. Since this is the least up-to-date of the DACS I’m considering, I do wonder if it makes sense to buy a DAC from 2014, when there has reportedly been so much change since then. Am I likely to find noticeable improvement with any of the DACs above?

128x128cheeg

Hi, great question.  I just bought a dac Reimyo 777 that was made around 2008. It only does 44.1 cd quality so I have to down sample from my Lumin U2 mini.  My SPL Preamp has a DAC in it that will do all formats.  I much prefer the sound of the Reimyo so yes to me it makes sense to buy what sounds good and not worry about the upcoming formats.  

Best

jh

A member here A/B'd the RME vs Soekris on approval and sent the Soekris back.

Thanks fuzztone — I was leaning toward the RME, but I heard the Bel Canto yesterday and fell I love. I havent heard the RME yet, but I’m pretty sure I’d like it.