2. digital
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DAC upgrade

Let me start by saying I am a vinyl guy, but digital streaming, particularly if I can achieve the right sound has many advantages. My 2 channel equipment is as follows: 

Rogue RP-1 w/ NOS Brimar CV4003, LSA Warp 1, KEF R11’s, Rhythmic F12SE, Pro-ject 1Xpression w/Hana ML, Rega Aria, Bluesound Node, Marantz CD6007, Schiit Modi Multibit 2. Good to very good power, speaker, interconnect cables.  
My weakest link (I believe) is my DAC.

My desire is the best sounding DAC below $2,500, but certainly don’t mind spending less. i want the DAC to be as good as my best current component. I don’t need a DAC with preampliflication, don’t need balanced, don’t need headphones, however I would not eliminate a DAC with superior sound with those features. I do prefer a small form factor.  
My current top contenders are:

Chord Qutest, Schiit Yggy, RME ADI-2, Topping D90 III.

The Chord checks all my boxes… reviews, sound, form factor, no unneeded features, etc and don’t mind its quirky lights… but, looking your thoughts/ recommendations.  Thanks!

 

 

128x128signaforce
vthokie83
862 posts
 

+1++ for Denarfips Pontus II 12th,

IMO best DAC under $3,000.....Yet it costs only $1,800. I have upgraded several components along the way,  but never thought the Pontus was the weak link.

The Pontus is a wonderful, musical, fun, enjoyable, terrific DAC. It just does everything well, and nothing badly........if you are a detail fiend, get the Chord, it is a beast......but for me, that lasted about an hour.....then it was so detailed that I stopped enjoying the music. Best of luck to your

balooo2
100 posts
 

+1 regarding the Denafrips dacs but there is something else you may want to consider...You have a golden oppurtunity right now to hit two cans with one rock. Seriously consider a decent streamer dac combo the Node is an ok streamer (in its day) but you can do much better with what is on offer now. I respect your concern about Chinese goods but truth is inside everything being discussed likely has parts from China; thats just the facts.The Cutest is a great little dac but is overpriced especially new.

The Node is likely a bottleneck also not just your MM2 if you stream often,I would suggest a Eversolo Master Edition DMP A6 streamer dac,small form factor and is far and away better than the Node. You are getting very good suggestions here but I don’t believe you need to go to your budget ceiling to achieve a vast improvement in your system. As others have suggested buy on Amazon if you don’t like it return it.

elamar
4 posts
 

All the descriptions of the equipment in the line is that their musical. At what point should a dac be neutral so that the sound not be totally altered. I have a topping. Not yet convinced that I need to pay up when I’m running Conrad Johnson and McIntosh speakers everywhere else.

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,705 posts
 

I have had the Denifrips Pontus ll for a couple of years and am still very happy with it.  The newest model, the 12 Anniversary is well within your price range.

All the best.

mojo771
49 posts
 

Where can you buy the Denefrips?

 

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