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DAC Suggestions

I’m in the market for a new stand alone DAC upgrade from my current Border Patrol which is fed by my Innuos Zenith Mark III server.. My budget is $3K - $6K new  only & like the natural, minimally “ digital” sound of my existing one but would like some more detail, a bit tighter bass & better imaging while not sounding fatiguing like many high end systems I’ve heard. Some reviewers suggest that a non over sampling DAC is usually the best way to achieve this, what do you folks think? 

Does such a unit in this price range exist in anyone’s experience? 
 

Thanks for your help. 

jonwolfpell
magnuman's avatar
magnuman
200 posts
 

try the Wyred4sound 10th anniversary DAC It's $4,500 US and one of the reviewers put it up against his VPI turntable with a $5,000 Japanese cartridge and he said the 10th anniversary DAC was every bit as analog sounding I bought it on that review and I totally agree and they also give you a 30-day trial. if you don't like it you send it back you get your money back can't beat that.

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,508 posts
 

+ on the Chord DAC's 

doni
310 posts
 

Audio Note 2.1X Signature if you’re ok with tubes and an upper limit of 24 bits/96k.

jonwolfpell OP
342 posts
 

Thanks very much for all the recommendations- the hunt begins. I’ll be in the Chicago area to visit a relative the weekend of Axpona so I’ll go at least one day & hope to check some of them out there..

bluethinker's avatar
bluethinker
97 posts
 

@jonwolfpell - Based on your criteria, the Merason Dac1 would be a great fit. Read the reviews. I own it and can attest to what the reviewers say - “relaxed but detailed,” “musical vs analytical.” One review compares it favorably to your current Dac. 

BTW - It is a non-oversampling Dac.

 

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