DAC recommendations


Okay. So, before this becomes the typical dac battle, let me explain what I have and what I’m looking for. My system consists of an Aric Audio Custom 300b PSET amp(almost always in class A set mode), Audio Note an-e/lx speakers, Cambridge cxn v2 streamer modified by ModWright tube dac and a Topping d90 dac. I can switch back and forth to get a tube sound from the ModWright or a more “accurate” depiction of the recording through the Topping. After a few months, I think I want something in the middle. The tube dac lacks a little clarity and the Topping is very critical of poor recordings. Both have their times when they sound better but I’m seeking a middle ground. 
Here’s what I’m looking for. I would like clarity, without being analytical. But most of all, I want natural sounding! I want a piano to sound like a piano etc…Lastly, I prefer a bit more bass and less bright sounding. Does this dac exist?

Ive looked at the Denafrips Terminator 2 and would prefer not to spend $6800. Does the Venus 2 fit? Bricasti m3? Other suggestions? I have some high quality components and would like a dac to match. Thanks in advance 

earthbound

Gentlemen. Do I need the land line connection to the router to get started with Qobuz. Cambridge uses the Streamlogic app, which I currently use which is also good with Qobuz. I use Wi-Fi now. I know land will be better, but is it necessary? 

I purchased the Denafrips Venus II a few months ago, I think it checks the boxes on your list.  I have been pleased with its performance so far.  

If you can, try and listen a Lampizator DAC. You will get best of both worlds…

I use an older Lampizator Gen4 Level5 and kept it against an Aqua LaVoce.

newer Lampizator models should be way better, mine looks more like a pré production model, still it sounds so beautiful, piano sounds like a real

piano, voices are lifelike, bass is big, soundstage fill

the whole room. The only DAC I listened to that would make me trade it is a Accuphase DC 1000 but it’s 25k and out of my budget.

 

 

Gentlemen. Do I need the land line connection to the router to get started with Qobuz. 

No.

I’m not just looking to spend more money jjss49. My previous system lasted 25 years because I bought quality equipment. I’m looking to do the same now. I’m not a person that wants to continually tweek my system.

glad to hear 👌👍

I currently have a cheap dac and a more expensive dac and would like to improve that segment of the sound. Speakers are great and amp is wonderful. Dac I’m not thrilled with but it’s good , just not great. So I figure I can take a chance at a higher end model.

here is my take on this... you have a cheap dac and a very very good performing expertly modded dac/streamer... the fact you cannot hear the substantial sonic quality difference between the two is very telling -- this is because of the poor quality how you have chosen to currently feed both of them -- the streaming service, the interface, and thus resulting poor quality digital feed into either/both units you own

you are focused on the dac, but the dacs you have are like having a toyota and a mercedes but you are feeding both lousy gas, so they both run badly

I have no aversion selling something if it is not acceptable to me, Zu speakers for example. As far as front end, Cambridge got great reviews and is used as a reference for Steve from Decware whose living is based on quality sound. I will also give Qobuz a try. I wouldn’t think that high resolution Apple could be too different from high resolution Qobuz, but I will find out. 😀🙏🏻

you don’t just have a factory cambridge cxnv2, you have a modwright modded unit... correct?? ....  dan wright has substantially improved the power supply, isolation, AND output stage of an already well-regarded, capable factory unit....

good you have an appointment to install hardwire ethernet... but your cambridge has a wifi plug-in module, it can pull in qobuz via wifi - i can assure you that you will....

1) hear an improvement streaming from qobuz via the cambridge using wifi (compared to apple music/airplay), then....

2) the sound will improve further when you connect into the cxn2 via hardwire ethernet... and then

3) it will improve further when you get an etherregen or eno filter to clean the ethernet feed

have fun... if... after 1, 2 and 3 are done, and you still want to try a terminator or a holo may, then your money might be more wisely spent at that point