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DAC recommendation for DSD input

Hello-- 80% of my listening is streaming local DSD (64-256) files via Roon. My current system is Roon Core on an iMac Pro making its way to a Sonore Optical Rendu which is connected, via USB to the DAC in my Hegel H390 integrated which feeds Magico A3 speakers and a pair of REL S/510 subs.. There is nothing at all objectionable to my current system, nonetheless, I am wondering if an external DAC might be an improvement over the H390's DAC and if that is a worthwhile spend.  I am space constrained so I must stick with an integrated (pre+amp), but do have space for a DAC and the Rendu system.

I have spent hours researching many of the newer and older DACS, including the cheaper "Chifi" DACS (Topping, Gustard R26 and X26iii),  T+A 200 DAC, PS Audio Direct Stream MKi2 and Mola Mola Tambaqui (used) and other DACs in-between (Denefrips Pontus and Terminator, Holo May, Wyred for Sound 10th anniversary, etc).  

I would rather spend $5k-$10K for a significant improvement as opposed to  $1K-$4K for no or a slight improvement. My hope is for more resolution, more musicality, less high frequency fatigue, tighter bass.  Is it unrealistic to expect that an external DAC will bring a significant improvement?

My system is in a decent room, but there is little to no choice in speaker placement or room treatment opportunities.

I have a chance to audition the T+A 200 DAC and the Direct Stream MK2.  In a previous system, I had an MSB Discrete stack which was nice, but I'm not sure that would be the worth the cost today.

What type of DAC (chip based, FPGA, R2R, OS/NOS) is more structured to DSD input?  I've almost ruled out R2R, but could be mistaken?  The deeper I look, the more confused I get.  

Thanks for any recommendations or advice.

 

 

128x128mintakax
whart's avatar
whart
3,078 posts
 

I was finally able to utilize the I2s connection on my DAC (a relatively inexpensive Gustard X26Pro, which is well engineered) by adding their DDC, the U18 (also pretty reasonably priced). I have a high end system which is mainly focused on vinyl playback but wanted to up my game on the digital front without throwing a lot of money at it. The digital front end is far less $ than my vinyl playback set up but with DSD through the I2S connection using these modest components, is quite impressive- I'm hearing far more of the acoustic space in recordings, the attack and decay of harmonics, the drum skin sounds- none of which sounds clinical. I had a long, perhaps unjustified reluctance to use digital for anything other than work or background music but now this is listenable. Of course, I've spent a few dollars buying hi-res downloads, but it has added an additional dimension to my listening experience. 

Do the T+A hdmi ports support I2S?

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cdennison53
18 posts
 

A used PS Audio DAC is a bargain.  I found it to be musical.  When I upgraded to a Tambaqui I A/B’d them with a friend and he found them very close in sound as I had.  Good luck with your upgrade.

pwoodard922
39 posts
 

I have a Sonore UltraRendu and have played native DSD files through two DACS.  The album I have listened to most is Puente Celeste - Nama. My previous setup was a Denafrips Pontus II with the Denafrips Iris DDC.  The sound was amazing and very live sounding.  I recently upgraded to a Lampizator Atlantic TRP and DSD through that is next level.  Much wider and deeper soundstage.  LIke the musicians are here in the room with me. For that DAC, it uses tubes and you can tube roll to dial in the sound you like best.

aberyclark
1,377 posts
 

If I could afford one, the T+A 200 Dac would be what I would be looking at. Like yourself, I have tons of DSD files (Sacd rips, Downloads, etc). My topping dac does do native DSD and there is a big difference vs a Dac that converts to PCM. Even at the lower tier...so I can only imagine what the higher tier Dacs bring

mintakax's avatar
mintakax OP
10 posts
 

Thanks to all so far for the responses, much appreciated.

milpai-- yes, the burning in issue is PIA if they send you a brand new unit which you only have for a week!

cdennison53-- I live in Boulder and PS Audio is a short car ride away, they have a good return policy, and I may try one. I think they have a refurbished MK2 available.

whart-- I dont believe the T+A supports i2s, no mention of it in manual. For me, the jury is still out on i2s as being an improvement over usb. I've not had a chance to use it myself. 

pwoodard922 -- I've been listening to DSD since I owned an MSB Discrete DAC several years ago. I have quite a collection from ripped SACDs (DSD64) and purchases form nativedsd.com and Bluecoast music. 

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