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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
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Supposedly the Yggdrasil also uses something no other DAC uses:

AD5791

It’s also not an audio d/a converter, but one (it said) used for things like missile guidance circuits.
Now it won’t have the good audio specs as say the last best PCM1704 R2R/multibit 24bit specific audio dac has, but if this matters, who knows?
Best to if your up to it compare the two with their data sheets.

Yggdrasils AD5791 http://www.analog.com/media/en/technical-documentation/data-sheets/AD5791.pdf

Burr Browns (TI): PCM1704: http://www.qlshifi.com/jszl/PCM1704.pdf

Cheers George
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
Best to if your up to it compare the two with their data sheets.

Hi George. I'll leave the technical dissection to you if you don't mind. I have looked at the AD5791 previously, but can't say I completely understand it. By all means, let me know how the two DAC chips compare. Besides, isn't it you who states that the chip itself is only a small percentage of the overall sound. I'm led to believe the implementation of the chip and rest of the analog circuit is paramount. 
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi Wig,
David is right,  follow your heart 😊. Wig I'd like to know the differences you hear between these 2 highly regarded DACs. 
C
gwalt
162 posts
 
Wig:
I agree with the heart. I also think sometimes there is just too much gear too choose from especially in digital. Many choices that would all fit one's needs and price ranges.
Gwalt
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Gwalt, 
Absolutely agree that there's an abundance of truly excellent audio components available in the current market. 
Charles 
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