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

jfmerk

just wait for @soix 

He’s going to ask you Again, this totally depends on what sound characteristics you’re looking for

he’s the expert but we don’t know his background  😂😂😂😂

@ghdprentice Oh, THAT Bard.  Yes, now I get it.  I have been surprised at the quality of GenAI responses, though I use ChatGPT.  Need to strike up a relationship with Bard!

I have the Audio-GD R-8.  It blows me away all the time.  I haven't read comparisons to anything recent, but it's into revision 3, and has some nice improvements since I got it.

$1850

http://www.audio-gd.com/R2R/R8MK3/R8mk3EN.htm

Most people swear by the improvements of the HE version.  It's got built-in power conditioning, for only $440 more, at $2290.

http://www.audio-gd.com/HE/R8HEMK3/R8HE_MK3EN.htm

If I were buying again, I'd get the HE version.