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If Conrad Johnson still made a DAC it would sound like??

Having suffered a recent round of IT layoffs I'm not sure I should even be asking this question right now, but I think I'm going to be ready to move from my Mytek to something juicy and deceptive.  Bold, soundstage and not particularly neutral when it comes to a DAC.  Old school Theta Digital sound might be what I'm looking for, but with modern USB inputs.

What DAC, from the past 5-10 years, should I listen to, in the < $3,500 range?

erik_squires
erik_squires OP
15,828 posts
 

@mlsstl  - Theta was one good example I think.  I'll check Schiit out next time!

bigkidz
3,324 posts
 

Used Wadia and then upgrade the parts to smooth out the top end.

testrun
218 posts
 

Or maybe a used Bricasti M3.  

hiphiphan's avatar
hiphiphan
72 posts
 

Linear Tube Audio is coming out with its first DAC in February. It features tubes and will be right around your price point. 

 

wturkey's avatar
wturkey
732 posts
 

Van Alstine may be close to what you seek. Definitely not as rich as a CJ product yet way less "nails on a chalkboard" sound than many of the products out there...

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