Advice needed: It's time for a new DAC

@audphile1 So full disclosure, I used to own the M1 about 8-9 years ago when I was a headphone user.  I really loved the DAC at the, especially with the HD600's connected directly to the balanced out's.  Because of my fond memory of it, I wanted to audition it again. With this time, I did play with all the filters but the one I settled on was minimum 4.  With that said, I did find the filters offered a generally subtle difference, personally, and the M1 sounds like the M1 regardless of filter setting. 

@mclinnguy Yes, I did end up with a more expensive DAC but the PS Audio was also not the cheapest on my list.  Both the ANK and the T+A DAC200 were less money.  The reason I auditioned the PSA was that the dealer that sold me my speakers offered it to as they felt it offers excellent value and was well worth a listen.

And you are correct, I noted the error about the PB names after I posted but I couldn't edit my post.  The PBD unit I first saw/demo'd was the MPS-8 (DAC/Player/Streamer in 1 box) as they did not have a MPD-8 on hand.  I did my auditioning using the MPS-8.  The unit I bought is the MPD-8 (DAC only) as I did not want the CD player or streaming functionality.  According to Andreas Koch, who was very kind in answering all my questions, was very clear that as a DAC only the MPD-8 is the better choice, though the units are very close sounding.  Having heard both, I would agree.

@bigfatpaulie thanks!
I agree the filter is not going to have as much impact on sound as changing a component or incorporating room treatments. And man with the Wilsons they’ll seek you out and kick your butt with good or bad whatever they are fed. So I get how you arrived at the results you’ve shared. thanks again this a timely thread as I’m on a market for a new DAC. 

That's cool @audphile1 !!  Though, I don't envy the search that lies ahead of you!  I took me MONTHS to settle on one.  Hopfully you find yours faster than I did mine.

If you don't mind me asking (and I am just being nosy here) what do you have currently and what's on your short list?

Good luck with your hunt!

Cool thread!  Enjoy your new DAC.

@bigfatpaulie so I kind of screwed up so don’t laugh…

I had a Bricasti M3 and was using its network card as Roon end point and it sounded not too great. I kind of got pissed off at Bricasti. I bought an Aurender N200 and began using the M3 as DAC only via USB and it sounded excellent but I was still kind of pissed so I sold it. Bought PS Audio DSD MkI which is a really nice musical DAC but I couldn’t get past the high noise floor. I realized I made a mistake selling Bricasti, sold the PS Audio and decided to try Chord Hugo TT2. It’s better than PS Audio but I’m looking to sell it and go back to Bricasti…probably M1 this time.

I had Pass XP-22 driving Pass X260.8 mono amps, into Wilson Sabrina. Sold Pass stack and bought 2 integrated amps: Coda CSib and Boulder 866. Zero regrets. So I had Bricasti M3 and PS Audio with Pass and Coda, and recently borrowed my buddy’s Bricasti M3 to compare with my Chord TT2 in my current setup with Coda and Boulder amps.

I intend to only keep one of these integrated amps so I need a good DAC to figure out what combination I like best.