Best EXTERNAL DAC suggestions


Yes, I have the latest addition to the Bluesound node, I guess third generation, prior to the most recent anniversary X addition. I know they have improved the inner DACS with each version but now I’m asking what would be some thing better in your opinion and one that is in the ballpark.

I have Cornwall Heritage IV speakers, and I am currently running a NAD C 316BEE amp( which pairs well with Klipsch 102 db) at 40 WPC. In the winter my Mancave is heated by a tube Cary SLI-80, UL /Triode 4/8 OHMS. 
either way, I love the ability of the Bluesound node to be my preamp and facilitating my Apple Airplay 2 and the eArc into the TV/CD. Mancave is treated, speakers and me complete a 6’ triangle.

128x128moose89

@pennfootball71 

When someone supplies a budget it is to tell the people responding "what he can afford to pay".

This may surprise you, but just because pennfootball71 can afford a Lampizator Baltic 4, it doesn't make it a sensible purchase for those of us that can't.

In a different forum I'm in, people are raving about the new Eversolo DMP A6. It's under a $1000 and people who are coming from a Bluesound node and are shocked at the improvements! I purchased their Master Edition for my headphone setup. My home stereo system I'm using a Holo Audio May KTE and Aurender N200 so this should be an interesting experiment.

SMSL SU-9n Balanced Desktop DAC

And added benefit of this is the remarkable bluetooth for streaming.

Anything more expensive doesn't really get you much in terms of final fidelity.

@vthokie83 

Really…thank you for the info!

adding to my Bluesound Node v3, as a DAC first time, will be the Denafrips but an Ares ll? A really great used buy  it comes with a SPDIF cable? I’m not sure about all these interconnects… options… and even if SPDIF will work with Node3… then the order of NAD amp- Rogue RP-1, Node3, and the better cable choices for interconnects  

  I’m hoping to get it right … suggestions? And thanks y’all  to the many posts that have helped me decide on WHAT to do …as EXTERNAL DAC quests can be infinite as it appears…Moose

So

Sell the Node and get an Astell & Kern ACRO CA1000T. It really can’t be beaten for anywhere near the money. Plus, you get full-fat Apple Music hi-res with it. Streaming capabilities are amazing and as just a streamer into an external DAC it is very noticeably better than the Node. As a streaming DAC and Preamp? It obliterates the Node. 
 

The added bonus is that you get a world class headphone amp out of it as well.