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  3. 153724-110266

DAC upgrade, new or used, $1000

I am looking for suggestions from the Audiogon community for a DAC upgrade.

My system is; Classe CT-2300 amp, Classe CP-800 preamp, Focal Profile 918 speakers TEAC-CDP650 CD player/transport, TEAC UD301 DAC, Bluesound node 2i, Mac computer for downloaded music.

I listen to jazz and classical using downloads, CDs and streaming qobuz,

I have compared the DAC in the CP-800 vs UD301 using the same source (CD player) and the UD301 sounds better. I have compared the DAC in the UD301 vs node 2i using the same source (streaming qobuz) and the node 2i sounds better.

The DAC in the node 2i is not accessible to my other components but the node 2i has an optical out to bypass the DAC in the node 2i, so I need suggestions for a DAC upgrade.

DAC can be new or used and I have a max of $1000 to spend, WSF (Wife Spending Factor)

Thank you for any suggestions.



128x1282tuby
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jazzman7
345 posts
 
In your shoes I'd be targeting the following:
Used - Ayre Codex for around $950
           Bryston BDA-1 for around $700
New (or used for that matter)
          Mytek Liberty - list price is around $1000
          One of the Schitt Audio midtier DACs such as the Bifrost 
           which can be had new starting at $699                       
                                                                   
helomech
1,651 posts
 
Check out the Topping D90 - one of the best measuring DACs on the market. 
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drrsutliff
853 posts
 
I agree with Jazzman7’s recommendation of the Ayre Codex.  Used one before moving up the Ayre line to a QX5/20.  Connect it to the Classe CP-800 using the balanced (xlr) for best results.  
tweak1
3,644 posts
 
The good news is your amp has XLR inputs

Now consider one component that 'could' replace several in your system: Oppo 105 with upgraded power wire loom and linear power module. The 105 has XLR outs and VVC. My original intent for getting one was just for hi-rez formats. I was using a modified Pioneer PD 65, which eventually died.


While I was in search of an affordable CD player that could be used as a transport (I settled on a Marantz HD CD 1) I used the 105. It wasn't great on red book, but I came across the upgrade parts on eBay and haven't used my Audio Alchemy DDP-1 (preamp/dac) + PS 5 (outboard power supply) since

hth
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