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DAC options to consider for Innuos streamer

I currently listen to music through Qobuz with an Innuos Zen Mini Mk III as a server and Roon core.  Rather than the Mini DAC I use the DA2 DAC module in my McIntosh MA8950 integrated amp.  My speakers are Sonus faber Olympica Nova IIIs.  I enjoy the sound quality of this system.

 

When I upgrade my streamer to an Innuos Pulsar, what DACs might I consider that would be an upgrade from the DA2 module and would complement my system?

jrdavisphd
mitch2
3,965 posts
 

What is your price range?

phishhhhh4's avatar
phishhhhh4
99 posts
 

I use a Mola Mola Tambaqui with my Pulsar

It all sounds great to me

backdoor
107 posts
 

I am using a Holo May KTE Dac with my Aurender N20 and the sound I am getting is superb. Coda amp and preamp. 

incorrigable
32 posts
 

Don't bother. Any stand alone DAC you add will be a lateral move.  Or worse you will lengthen the signal path allocating money for a cable for no reason.  If your preamp were purely analog then yes. But you have one of the best onboard already.

glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,655 posts
 

After I went through a DAC upgrade from my Mac DAC2 board (C2700) it took a significant amount $ to beet it in all respects. Few I tried were just side steps for a slight different sound. Your going to have to spend upwards of $3000+ to get any real upgrade, everything else IMO is just a side step for a slightly different sound. I ended up with a Chord Dave (used) but I'd say the same for the TT at much less money then the Dave. you're really going to have to audition DAC's do not buy unheard or you may be surprised how good the DAC2 board is.

Also considering the DAC2 board has an excellent HDMI ARC connection for a TV integration (if needed). No other DAC I've seen at this level has HDMI ARC, for me this was pivotal for movies and TV-apple 4k TV box streaming (2ch).  noting I use the apple 4k box for primarily background music and TV. 

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