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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
earthbound OP
133 posts
 

I went with Tidal since it’s supported on the Cambridge itself. Otherwise, I would have to download the app like Air Play. Not sure it makes a difference but it’s worth a try. Now I need to find where the file resolution is located to see where I’m at compared to Apple Music. Usually right under title but Tidal is different. 

metaldetektor
149 posts
 

If you want a clear and natural sounding DAC without breaking the bank, consider the latest DACs from Mytek. The Liberty II and the forthcoming next model up (not sure if it’s out yet). In the past their DACs were criticized for leaning analytical, but that’s not what I heard in the Liberty II. It’s around $850 used…think you’d have to spend $2-3k to appreciably better it.

 

 

 

gkr7007's avatar
gkr7007
140 posts
 

I think you'll be chasing your tail until you get off of Airplay and maybe look for another streamer.  

earthbound OP
133 posts
 

Well I’m off Air Play and the streamer has been significantly improved. Amperex tubes arrive tomorrow. That will allow me to play both a tube dac and an accurate Topping. I hope this will be sufficient and I won’t know until I put some quality months on each unit. At the very least, I will gain more dac experience and I can always buy a “better” one next year. 
By the way, Tidal already sounds better. I have noticed the Master level needs a bit more volume but some of the old jazz recordings sound excellent. Thanks for responding. 

vthokie83
686 posts
 

I currently own (and love) a Denafrips Pontus II DAC with a Denafrips Iris DDC, USB into the Iris and I2S from the Iris to the Pontus II. I compared this setup to the Venus II, and preferred the Pontus/Iris pairing. But that depends on your tastes. The sound is similar to the Musician Aquarius (also a great DAC) which is somewhere between the Pontus and Venus

The Pontus II combo is a warmer richer sound, but still with great soundstage width/depth and instrument separation. Sound is clean, great impact, forgiving on recordings, and not at all sibilant or unforgiving The Venus is more neutral and detailed, which means it will give you what the recording provides......good and bad. To me then sound signature is similar to a Chord Qutest, which I found to be a little too unforgiving and fatiguing for long listening sessions.

The Pontus II and Iris pairing is about $2,400 and the Venus II is about $3,100.....unfortunately Denafrips does not have a trial period, so recreating that comparison is difficult in your home. The Musician Aquarius is about $2,700.

Best of luck

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