DAC RECOMMENDATIONS PLEASE
Hello,
Presently my system is: Qobuz > Lumin U1 Mini Streamer > Electrocompaniet ECD-1 Dac > Herron VTSP-3A (R03) Pre > Odyssey Khartago Extreme Amp > KEF r11 Speakers.
The ECD-1 dac is 20 years old. I've had issues with this dac at times not playing 24/192 music at all even though its rated to handle it. Recently I've had to adjust settings in the Lumin to play 24/192 music at 24/96 in order for it to play. So, I want to replace it with something using a bit more current technology. My budget is 1800.00 for something used.
To my ears, the KEF r11 is a very detailed and revealing speaker. Well recorded music sounds great. Poorly recorded music sounds very poor and again to me, that means edgy and fatiguing highs. I'm looking for a warm and musical presentation. Things I've done to lean in that direction are getting the Herron pre and adjusting the bias of the Khartago towards a warmer sound also.
Dacs I've been studying have been R2R NOS dacs like Border Patrol, Denefrips Pontus II, and others. I also have looked at the Schiit Yggy LIM. So I'd love to hear from anyone who perhaps has had a similar quest and what was found to fit the warm and musical goal. Thanks for any comments!
JM
Thank you for your kind words. BTW, Bard is Googles AI. I have been really surprised how good it is at these kind of esoteric questions. Each system is different, and how it will sound within that context. In your system the MAC is very warm, with strong mid-range and bass bloom… so the detailed DAC works well. The summary is not derogative.
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@ghdprentice i agree absolutely. I wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s very warm but it is warm and honestly I’m probably splitting hairs with you over it. I didn’t read the summary as derogatory, I’ve just never heard that about the Pontus and it’s certainly not my experience. I’m a bit surprised by it I suppose. Either way I enjoy it and it works well in my setup. Your point about each system and its context is spot on. |
Thank you for the replies. I wondered if Bard was an AI tool. I confirmed with a search. Very cool. @ghdprentice Thanks for posting your findings. I'll have to play with that AI tool a bit. If Bard was the final word, I'd lean towards the Yggdrasil since it's strengths align the best with what I'm looking for. It's weaknesses are something I can accept. I also forgot to add in my OP the fact I have two SVS subs so I can get the bass where I like it. The research I need to do if I go with the Schiit is to fully understand the different models/versions of the Yggy. It's my understanding the LIM is what I should be looking for. Thanks again for the replies.
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The Music Room is selling factory refurbished PS Audio DirectStream Mk 1's with latest software update for $2000. Factory warranty for 1 year. That's a $6k unit. I got one and it is like brand new. Oh, and there's TMR's normal return policy so you can try it without risk. I don't know what would be a better opportunity at that price.
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The Music Room is selling factory refurbished PS Audio DirectStream Mk 1's with latest software update for $2000. Factory warranty for 1 year. That's a $6k unit. I got one and it is like brand new. Oh, and there's TMR's normal return policy so you can try it without risk. I don't know what would be a better opportunity at that price.
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