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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For reproduction of CDs, I extremely recommend the Jay's Audio CDt3 Mk3.  I've tried over a dozen cheap to expensive (PS Audio) transports over the past 5 years (recent change to separates).  It is vastly superior and beautifully built.  

As to DACs, I've tried older ones and generally found them wanting.  They were mostly lesser cost ones (the Topping D70S for example).  Also COS Engineering D1 and D2.  I've ordered the Lampizator Poseidon to be a one and done unit.  

In the meantime, I am using a fully discrete 2010 Emotiva XDA-1 DAC (their only discrete DAC) with extreme power supply (5 Sparkos regulators cost $47 each, caps, etc).  Also and Acme treated fuse.  Total cost for unit, parts and labor $1200. This is in a high end system.  I am getting near SOTA CD sound, better than I've heard streaming at a dozen audio shows.  The combination of DAC and transport is fabulous and yet I know it could be SOTA with a Lampizator (I heard my speakers with the Horizon).  

DACs keep improving generally.  A $2700 DAC LAiV Harmony got a very high recommendation.  An unusual R2R design with a reportedly more articulate, forward sound than R2R designs are known for.  I haven't heard it.  The T&A line is from a major manufacturer and the build quality is excellent.  I do not recommend the Weiss, dry and hard compared to the others.  The Lampizator Baltic 3 is also a good choice.  Don't know what the DCS Lina sounds like either.    

As to cabling, I am using lower cost digital cabling from my transport (step above Blue Jeans which is very neutral and a steal at $35) similar to the Westminster Labs lower end digital cable.  The analog XLR cable to my pre-amp is also lower cost but very good as well (I use Grover Huffman cabling throughout).  I will switch to an AES digital cable when my Poseidon arrives.  

 

@hysteve When I installed my Jay Audio transport, even poorly mastered/recorded CDs took on life whereby I am keeping them (I have 15,900 CDs). Where I thought there was distortion is now just bad miking or has poor quality digital transfers. The average CD sounds great and the outstanding recordings are phenomenal (and that’s with my highly modified Emotiva DAC only previously described). This may also have to do with my phenomenal speakers (Von Schweikert VR9 SE MK2, upgraded). I read some other posts extolling the new LAiV Harmony DAC. This could be a real bargain just as my transport is.  

I wouldn't suggest to the OP a lesser quality transport but I'm keeping a Shanling ET3 for my 2nd system/living room.  It's good for the price and I've compared many transports.  

I’ll take some time tomorrow to figure out how to do that (post new thread). Thx for the encouragement. I’m looking for an answer that’s not another persons favorite component. I cant fault responders except say it doesn’t always appear to be pertinent to what was asked. 
 

I’ll try to be specific to my need. Thx. 

My Ayre Acoustics QX-5 Twenty streaming DAC is a superb DAC, as well as a superb streamer.   Happy listening.