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Recommend me a DAC under 3k

Hi All,

Long time reader, first time poster!

I’m expanding my all-analog system to add a proper digital front end and would like recommendations for a DAC to connect to my Wiim pro plus.


Listening Habits:

I primarily listen to LPs, but appreciate the convenience and discoverability that digital provides. I don’t have a digital music library and only stream via Tidal and Spotify. My 2-channel system does double duty as a sound system for our TV as well.


Requirements:

  • All-in <= $3k
  • Prioritizes sound quality above all else
  • Streaming supports Tidal Connect directly or via some other protocol
  • TosLink Input (for casual TV)


Personal Preferences:

  • When tuning components in my system, I’ve preferred ones that are more detailed/transparent rather than overly warm/harmonic. E.g. Telefunken over Amperex or Mullard. Duelund CAST over AN copper.
  • Realistic tone/timbre, soundstage, micro-detail, and impactful bass are important to me.


Currently under consideration:

  • Denafrips Pontus II 12th
  • Denafrips Venus II
  • Schiit Yggdrasil
  • ANK DAC 4.1x (with Duelund caps, etc)
  • Gustard R26


The rest of my system is as follows:

  • CSS 2TD-x tower speakers (neutral with some mid-bass warmth)
  • ANK EL34 35W Monoblocks
  • ANK L5 Mentor Preamp
  • ANK L3 Phono V2
  • Mofi Ultradeck with Master Tracker cartridge
  • Richard Gray 600RM Pro Power Conditioner
kuhyay
mtdining's avatar
mtdining
131 posts
 

This topic is why I rarely visit here. The PS Audio is truly one of the worst DACs I’ve ever heard, and I just have to laugh whenever I see an r2r dac recommended - a technology dependent on multiple resistors being identical (not in this universe). That said, I have not heard many of those suggested here. I can say that the Weiss and Schiit were underwhelming, at best.

For natural sound, the Ayre Codex is still my favorite in this range.

Nothing comes remotely close to the current DCS, which I can’t afford. So I listen to lots of vinyl.

Ag insider logo xs@2x
jallan
256 posts
 

+1 enthusiastically on the Schiit Yggy. It compares well to anything I have heard, is painless to own and get serviced, and is far superior to any vinyl setup near its price range (far better than my Ariston RD11S/Grace 707/Benz Ace).

 I find it very natural with a tremendous sense of drive.

 

 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
jallan
256 posts
 

I might add to mtdining that to diss the precision of resistors in RTR DAC designs, you must acknowledge the ridiculous non-linearity and precision in RIAA-based vinyl playback systems. They are truly Rube Goldbergian!

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vinylvalet
850 posts
 

I have a modified ANK L5 Mentor that I built driving an active pair of ATC SCM50ASLT speakers. I use and very much like a modified ANK 4.1x DAC that I also built, so that would be my recommendation. I run fiber from a highly optimized network to a Sonore opticalRendu (high quality LPS) into a Mutec MC3+ Smart Clock USB into the 4.1x S/PDIF input. I borrowed a well broken in R26 and preferred the 4.1x in that system which should come as no surprise.

I have no experience with the other DACs mentioned.

Perhaps audition the new Weiss DAC204 when they become available as the DAC501 is my favorite, the only DAC I prefer to the 4.1x in that system.

Down the line you should audition a Puritan Audio PSM156 power conditioner which will be a nice improvement over the Richard Grey.

Weiss DAC204 Review

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