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Best used or new DAC under $3500

What would be the best DAC for under $3500, new or used? I currently use the Chord Dave and I LOVE it. However, I'm looking to downgrade to save some dough. Some reference points:

1) Yggdrasil:  Sold it as the staging was too narrow/flat and it seemed a little lifeless
2) Ayre QB-9 DSD: Feel its a bit too bright/tizzy - at this point I'm done trying Sabre DACs.

Can anyone recommend a DAC that is not a mainstream sabre chip based DAC? I dont mind it if its an older generation or vintage DAC either - Just something I can get for under $3500. I don't want a discussion to defend Sabre DACs please.

Thanks!

jozurr
jond's avatar
jond
5,860 posts
 
jozurr well said only you can say what you like and why, trust those ears. And another nice looking DAC popped up in the listings last night.......

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/da-converters-abbingdon-music-research-dp-777-2018-01-05-digital

Looks like a pretty fantastic deal and only half your budget. No affiliation and I am a bit confused at the lack of willingness of some to buy used, and highly depreciated, DACs.
nitewulf
422 posts
 
If you like the PS Audio DSD DAC, then you should DEFINITELY find a used one below $3500, I'm not even sure what's the thread is about at this point. We mentioned plenty of r2r options besides the Yggy below $3500.
rodge827's avatar
rodge827
620 posts
 
I have had many Dacs and CD players over the years and currently own a Digital Amplifier Company (DAC) HS DAC. It plays very close to the way tricked out ANK 2.1b Sig Dac I once owned. With the cost of the kit and all of the BG caps, AN Silver coupling caps, AN Tantalum resistors, NOS tubes, AN IV transformers...I had north of 4k into it. The HS DAC DAC is very close at 1/4 the cost.

http://www.cherryamp.com/dac-dac-d-to-a-convertor
smoffatt
205 posts
 
The best DAC under $3500 is the one that sounds best in one’s audio system/room. There is no such thing as an outright “best” DAC on it’s own. As this thread gets longer, the list of “best” DACs suggestions will continue to lengthen.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
I don't believe that most posters are stating their recommendation is"best" but rather they're amongst the field of worthy high quality choices. 
Charles 
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