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DAC upgrade

Greetings,

I am currently using a Jolida Tube DAC. I'm quite happy with it but as we all know, unknown temptations are as luring as known ones.

So, the question is this: what DACs would you suggest as a noticeable/audible upgrade for no more than, say, USD3000?

The DAC is fed from a ProJect transport and a dedicated pc, holding a few thousand uncompressed CDs and SACDs; and it feeds into an Ayon Triton III amp, driving Focal Be speakers. The cables are at the level of the and the speakers. I'm only mentioning these components to give an idea of the possible constraints on "audible difference".

One more thing: while it is interesting but of little help to know that DAC x, y or z is very good - I know that there are many good components out there. What would be useful if people familiar with both the Jolida and the possible upgrade (used in the same system) could offer some advice, possibly explaining the actual difference they could hear.

Last: I'm not in a hurry and will be happy to listen to opinions advising against replacing the DAC as long as other components remain the same.

With thanks,


Csaba

128x128malacka
astelmaszek
125 posts
 
@mzkmxcv What in the world are you talking about? Denafrips Terminator is a custom board R2R DAC and doesn't use a chip for D to A conversion. It uses a FPGA chip for up sampling.
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,130 posts
 
Benchmark very cool sound8ng,non forgiving the new Denafrips 
pontus much more natural sounding with exceptional musical balance ., the new one with the new processor board is better still 
as of March 2020 I also head the Brooklyn + , sold both the latest Schiit yggs ,as well as Lampi 3 dac 
mgrif104
344 posts
 
I’m going to suggest a different route.  While I’m not familiar w/ the Jolida DAC, I suspect that the project transport might be a weaker link overall and I’d suggest demoing upgrades to that piece of the chain to see what your DAC might actually be capable of. 

Do you still spin discs, play files, or stream?  There are lots of good options.  While not all agree, I experienced a greater increase in performance from changing the source going into the DAC than from the DAC itself.  Of course, YMMV.

Best,  
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,130 posts
 
This you could put in Quotes if you have $2800
the Deafrips Venus dac is a R2R multi ladder dac just look it up 
Vinshine Audio. Just look at the great build quality the whole bottom is a huge linear power supply . I have the Pontus 
the Venus is very detailed and natural sounding just look 
up Vinshine Audio , 3 yr warrant and they ship 3-4 day DHL 
Denafrips need no introduction many great reviews over 200 filter caps, and these ladder resistors in the dac are .005 or better each 
a no brainer !!
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
another option

your jolida can be upgraded by underwood wally/sound connection for ~$500 - substantial SQ gains

also the jolida is ripe for 12ax7 tube upgrade, also a significant advance in SQ over the chinese tubes that come stock
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