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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
chenry's avatar
chenry
103 posts
 

Denefrips Enya or Ares 12th should work for you at a little less than $1K, or if you are wanting to hit your max spend, the Pontus or the Gustard R26.

bobbyloans
61 posts
 

Hi 

my go to all the time is GUSTART 26

bobbyloans
61 posts
 

Gustard. Typo

mahler123
3,062 posts
 

@njcardave 

+1 on the Bryston DAC3.  It also has 4 HDMI inputs, which can accept the DSD layers from SACD players able to output DSD

pickindoug OP
43 posts
 

More excellent choices.  Really appreciate all the input.  I had a friend's Ares II at the house for a few weeks.  It was nearly new, so not quite broken in.  I liked it but at the time I could not consistently choose it over the other DAC in my system at the time (can't recall if I still had the Modi or SMSL then), where I was able to pick the SMSL DAC out over the Modi consistently in an A/B comparison.  Since then he bought a Venus II and yes, I could tell a difference on his system without an A/B comparison, mainly with the soundstage.  Regardless, the Venus is out of budget.  

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