Two things. One, very surprised no one mentioned the Border Patrol DAC as that is usually one of the favorites in your price range.
Second, I remember Srajan from 6Moons talking about how a DDC between your streamer and the DAC makes for a major step up. In that it makes the streamer and the DAC sound much more expensive. And this was with (at the time) a $350 (now about $600) Singxer DDC.
DAC upgrade
Let me start by saying I am a vinyl guy, but digital streaming, particularly if I can achieve the right sound has many advantages. My 2 channel equipment is as follows:
Rogue RP-1 w/ NOS Brimar CV4003, LSA Warp 1, KEF R11’s, Rhythmic F12SE, Pro-ject 1Xpression w/Hana ML, Rega Aria, Bluesound Node, Marantz CD6007, Schiit Modi Multibit 2. Good to very good power, speaker, interconnect cables.
My weakest link (I believe) is my DAC.
My desire is the best sounding DAC below $2,500, but certainly don’t mind spending less. i want the DAC to be as good as my best current component. I don’t need a DAC with preampliflication, don’t need balanced, don’t need headphones, however I would not eliminate a DAC with superior sound with those features. I do prefer a small form factor.
My current top contenders are:
Chord Qutest, Schiit Yggy, RME ADI-2, Topping D90 III.
The Chord checks all my boxes… reviews, sound, form factor, no unneeded features, etc and don’t mind its quirky lights… but, looking your thoughts/ recommendations. Thanks!
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- 96 posts total
- 96 posts total