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DACed and Confused here...

So many brands/models/shapes/sizes. Everyone has an opinion.

I have decided to start my streaming with a DAC. I will probably just use a tablet initially with Quobuz or Tidal, before ultimately getting a proper streamer.

Looking for <=$1500. I thought I was set with the RME ADI-2 until I read here that it would require a new power supply and basically an engineering degree to make it sound good (not flat, not analytical). Is that price point too low?

System is ARC REF 5se --> Art Audio PX-25 --> Blumenhofer FS-2, with the DAC coming in as the source.

Can anyone give me some guidance?

saulh
hilde45's avatar
hilde45
5,461 posts
 

+1 @soix -- Agree on not underspending. If you buy used you can re-sell for around the same price. A bit of hassle for a lot of learning. I'd get the Denafrips Pontus and live with it for a while. Just my two cents. (I don't own Denafrips, by the way, but have heard them; they're quite nice.) There's a Venus, too.

In case you are interested in spending a bit more, these seem like real standouts:

Weiss DAC 204 -- I'd offer $2500 and see what happens. These are very very well built and reviewed. There's one lower down the line, too. Perhaps something to bargain for.

Some really praise the Sonnet Morpheus, too. Here.

 

campoly's avatar
campoly
105 posts
 

A used Schiit Yggdrasil could be a good option if you don’t need DSD. I’ve occasionally seen them on The Music Room in that price range. Smooth as butta’ in my system.

baylinor's avatar
baylinor
1,614 posts
 

The new gustard a26 dac would be everything you need for your budget. $1,499. That will be hard to beat.

jallan's avatar
jallan
359 posts
 

Schiit Yggdrasil GS2 for $1699 seems like the deal here. 
 

I have the GS and I have never felt the urge to upgrade from this 

boxcarman
490 posts
 

Go cheap and you will be wanting to upgrade soon.  That includes wires.  

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