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DAC Recommendation around 2.5K

There are so many new DACs, it makes one head swim.

I currently have a PS Audio DL III w/ level 3 Cullen mods
it sounds great, very analog and musical, however will not do 24/192 even via coax. So.....

Hegel HD25? NAD M51? I want to have a usb 24/192 to avoid another device in the chain (in order to use coax)

System:

Jolida fusion preamp (with mods)
channel island d-200 moon block amps
acoustic zen adagio speakers
kimber silver cable
soundstring cable
"anti-cables" for speaker wire

Listen to ALL types of music, so dac needs to be comfortable with classical and jazz but also lots of classic rock

Thank You

PS: i do not care about DSD capability, don't buy it....
mlapenta
austinbob
235 posts
 
I love the NAD M51 which you can find for around $1800. It accepts USB as you desire and also can output SACD and DVDA via its HDMI input (and it sounds fantastic doing so).
ejlif's avatar
ejlif
1,370 posts
 
How about the ps audio perfect wave II? They can be had brand new at your price if you look.
hifial's avatar
hifial
332 posts
 
Do yourself a BIG favor and demo an e20 MKII by exaSound. They offer a 30 day home demo. But you will end up keeping it. It sounds GREAT with Redbook, HiRez PCM and DSD. If you can go a little higher in price get the MKIII and add the .082ps clock option (not sure you can get it in the MKII) for only a $100 over the MKIII (must order at time of purchase. Well worth it.

Also DO NOT dismiss DSD. BIG things are happening next year.
happycamper
16 posts
 
Lynx Hilo can be had for $1850. A used PWD II can be had for $2.2k, A-gd Master is also a fine DAC.
vhiner
544 posts
 
+1 on the used PWD II DAC. I think it's the most analog sounding DAC you can get anywhere near this price range. Anthony Cordesman of TAS as well as a host of others reviewers agree.
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