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Sweet Sounding DAC

Ok, here's another one of those threads seeking DAC guidance.  Certainly, I have started more than my share of such questions.

This search started as a need to find a smaller DAC and streamer due to overcrowding in my cabinet.  Current players Bricasti M3 and M5.  But as I started looking and listening, I realized there is a sonic search as well; just to complicate the process.  As much as I like the Bricasti gear, I have always yearned for a softer- perhaps more tube/ analogue sound.  So the search got  harder.  Here are some of the contestants with my questions/ comments or concerns.  I seek advice from those who actually own or know the gear to follow ,  I will try to be brief.  BTW my budget is essentially what I can recoup from selling the Bricasti gear.  So lets say 3500 to 5000 ( if I sell both pieces). The first 4 I have sampled, the rest I have read about

1.  Wattson Madison;  great size.  Found vocals a little off/ sounded better w external streamer - but then whats the point of the DAC / Streamer

2. Lab 12 DAC: loved the sound; too big a footprint.  Great vocal tone

3. Konus : real nice, still a strong contender

4. Merason Frerot with LPS: not for me ( suprisingly)

5.  Audio Note: would need to be entry level due to size.  Is it good enough?

6. Gold Note DS-10 + Evo.  Looks good on paper; has anyone heard it?  Some dealers are not so high on it

7.  Ferrum Wandla:  looks good on paper but would add a box ( LPS ) to my cabinet.  Anyone hear it?  Word is that is a rich - smooth tone

8.  Audio 11 Sagra:  not much to go on but supposed to be smooth and sweet sounding

9.  Border Patrol:  some love it and some don't.  Cannot fathom who is right.

10.  AudioMirrow Tubadour.  Seemed like a strong contender until a user told me its not that sweet sounding.  More neutral in tone.  I was bummed to hear that. Not sure it has the Lab 12 tone I seek.

I think thats enough to choose from.  

Any insights would be appreciated.  Please refrain from snarkiness....I much too tired for snark,  But I do appreciate the help.

mdrone
recklesskelly
330 posts
 

From my experiences with SPL and knowing their background in audio production studios I would give their DAC a listen. I have the SPL Phonitor 2 and Phonos in my system and they are spectacular. But as with everything YMMV and this is just my opinion based on firsthand experience with their products.

https://spl.audio/en/

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/search?s=SPL+Diamond+DAC

mdrone OP
114 posts
 

Do the SPL gear have some warmth ?

Timbre/ Tone?

recklesskelly
330 posts
 

No they are very neutral. Think studio. 

testrun
218 posts
 

This is a difficult decision.  To be honest I did not read the entire thread.  When I started down this path I found myself wondering which component should I use to “tune”” my sound.  I ended up “tuning” with a preamp.  I too have and love Bricasti and end up swapping out my preamp with a Cary SLP-05.  Having gone thought a number of tube amps, preamps etc (love the midrange sound of tubes) but started to dislike the weight, power tube replace cost, heat and moved to class AGD class D.  The Cary fulfilled my tube addiction and I think I’m good for the long hall.  My learning was I started trying to tune with a DAC and end up where I currently am.  Just my experience.  By the way tried to hedge the DAC life cycle going with Bricasti. They really have proven to offer very cost effective upgrades.  I guess I see where I am in a few years!   Good luck!  I don’t really think you go wrong.  Don’t you love this hobby/ addiction???

midnight23
3 posts
 

Very simple, IMHO get either the RME ADI-2 DAC (but has very complicated steps to maximize, read manual first) or Benchmark DAC 3B (definitely Not the HGC nor L, the B sounds best, just a straight exit path no volume pot/headphone amplifier, may have to set output voltage to match pre-amp, easy to do but read manual first).  That's it!  Save yourself all the nonsense.  Was in the industry for awhile and had a collection of DACS through the years.  Another thing the finest Digital cables are Benchmark's, both optical (no kidding) & the coax, cheap as well).  Good Luck

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