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DAC suggestions for a reasonably modest system

I have two systems currently fed by a SMSL SU-9n via Y splitter.  It's time to add a new/used DAC and get rid of the Y splitter.  New DAC will feed a VTL TL-2.5 + VTL Stereo 90 or a couple of different vintage SS amps (Sony TAN-8250 or Luxman 5M21), and just for fun, maybe a couple of Dyna Mk VI, running Magnepan 3.6R.  The SMSL does a great job overall, but seems to be a better fit with the ARC SP3a1 + SET or SEP amp into Altecs.  For those of you that have had the SMSL or similar level DACs in a similar system to mine and have moved up the chain, what gave you a nice step change?  The Maggies, however imperfect, are delightfully revealing and prior DAC changes were definitely more apparent with them.  Budget is $1000-1500, and I have no issue with buying used good quality stuff.  None of my system is less than 20 years old except the DACs.  

pickindoug
deep_333
862 posts
 

Schiit multibit dacs (modi multibit, bifrost, etc) made in the USofA sound better than the Asian chip dacs though the latter tend to measure better. Their real competition are the Asian R2R dacs (Denafrips, Gustard, etc). 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,324 posts
 

Chord Qutest is within your budget used. Excellent DAC. 

rkfaberdds's avatar
rkfaberdds
41 posts
 

I’m at 72 hours on my Denafrips venus2 & seriously digging it for the $!

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,878 posts
 

Come up with $1900 ,without question the Denafrips Pontus 2 12th anniversary 

it is a excellent dac and I don’t own  but did ,I bought their terminator 2 ,

for a great price ,No dac especially a R2R dac is this musical for under $2k 

I have heard many I think it is the best dac under $3k,it’s that  good 

just read a bunch of reviews. It also has U.S service centers if need be .I have owned 4,of them ,my wife still has a older pontus 2 and never an issue.

pickindoug OP
43 posts
 

Thanks for all the responses so far!  You've definitely expanded my field of consideration.   

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