Let's Talk DAC's


My current DAC, the Chord Chordette Qute HD is getting on with age and I am looking for a new one with superior performance. So far, I have narrowed down my search to five DACs. At the low end is the Denafrips Ares II and the Eversolo DAC Z8. Mid range the RME ADI-2 and at the top end the Chord Qutest and the Denafrips Pontus II.

This is for an all-digital setup in a 12x12 dedicated room. I have a much larger room with a much "bigger" set up, but for this room it is a simple PrimaLuna Prologue Classic integrated, Audiolab 6000 CD transport, ProAc Tablette 10’s, and a REL T/5i Subwoofer. I plan to add a streamer as well, but that is for another discussion.

I am conflicted with the choice between a delta-sigma modulated DAC and an R2R type Dac. I do like the FPGA technology in my current DAC. It has served me well.

I am certainly open to other ideas and welcome comments from those of you that have experience with this equipment.

I forgot to add; I like a wide and deep soundstage and good imaging. I also hate a rolled off high end.

 

 

 

 

desperado915

If you are only interested in DACs that you can buy from a local source and test drive, then you can ignore both Musician and Denafrips.
 

Can’t speak for Denafrips, but you can buy Musician products through Amazon and I believe you have a return window where you can easily return if it doesn’t work out for you.  That’s why I bought my Pegasus there although I never considered returning it after hearing it.  Worth doublechecking though just in case. 

Chord Qutest is a solid DAC and should fit the bill. Precise imaging, open sound and very good soundstage.

Another option would be something with a built in network renderer. It will eliminate the need for a separate streamer. Depending on what you plan to spend on a streamer, check out the Bricasti M3 or a PS Audio DSD DAC, used.

https://soundnews.net/sources/dacs/a-new-point-of-reference-gustard-r26-discrete-r-2r-ladder-dac-review/

Gustard R26.  This is probably the highest-rated R2R DAC under $2k I've seen, both among reviewers and satisfied customers.  Amazon has a good return policy, though I don't encourage abusing it. Keep in mind that the DAC might require a longer break-in period, around 200 hours (as reported), so consider leaving it running continuously for several days to facilitate the break-in process without exceeding your return window.

 

Honestly in your budget don’t buy anything and waste your money on something that is barely better if not worse than your current DAC. Unless you can save about 6-7k on a Lampizator Baltic 4 or Chord Hugo TT then later get an MScaler you won’t hear the difference. Your DAC is fine.