Back to the DAC


Just a bit of an update. When I inquired about a DAC upgrade in a recent post, it was suggested that I look at upgrading my cables first. Since then, I have done so (see my virtual system for that). Not over the top stuff, but a definite improvement over the mostly stock, generic cables I originally had.

System is sounding pretty darn good, but like most of us, you always wonder what a more expensive DAC will offer in the way of sound quality improvements.

Many of the recommended, higher priced DACs seem to include streamers and/or offer pre-amp capabilities. I have a good streamer and pre-amp and really don’t want all those components in one box.

Have any of you experienced a DAC which offers the sound qualities of highly praised units like the Mola Mola Tambaqui, DCS Lina, T&A 200, Weiss DAC501, etc. which their only function is a DAC?

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If the price is right and it’s something that sells fast, I’d try it. But only under these circumstances. 

@yyzsantabarbara thanks, I was going to reply to you tomorrow. Maybe I should  give the LIM DAC a shot first? It's just these Merlots don't come up often and it's an inexpensive way to get a taste of the PBD genre. 

@audphile1 thanks as well

Check hifishark sold items. I’m seeing most under $4000. It’s up to you. Not familiar with how easy it is to sell this DAC. You also have a few Bricasti M3 out there meaning you can potentially score a good deal. Yes the M3 is the starting point of their lineup but is one heck of a DAC.
I would also add Chord to your list. If you’re looking to stay within $4,000-$6,000 range you can get Hugo TT2 with MScaler or even DAVE if you’re lucky. 

If your system is a bit bright, like my Magnepan LRS+. Then the LIM sounds really good on it. However, there are some who feel it is not very good. All I know is that it works really well with my brighter LRS+ but not perfectly with my warmer Yamaha NS5000. Now those comments are really about my perception.

Since it worked so well with my LRS+ I wanted the same pedigree DAC with a bit less of that "musicality" for my NS5000. I hope I get that with the OG version that I should get delivery this week. This is also a discontinued DAC but I learned why it was discontinued from someone at Schitt. So that did not stop me from buying the last one.

The PBD Merlot is also a discontinued DAC and was one I was looking to get for a short time if it worked with my PBD streamer’s Plink, it did not.