Different R2R DACs


Several months ago, I bought a used Hono Spring Level 2 DAC to see how R2R would compare against my Mytek Brooklyn DAC+. I like the Brooklyn+ a lot, but, given the other components in my system, I'm thinking about building in a bit more warmth (without losing significant detail). I'm not looking for sweetness or holography. Unfortunately, I was thoroughly unimpressed by the way the Holo Spring Level 2 smeared the music. I returned it within two weeks. Perhaps the unit I bought was defective (though I bought it from a highly reputable seller of used equipment), but it started me wondering how much of the hype surrounding the newer generation of R2R DACs was just that, hype. However, I keep seeing so many glowing reviews of reasonably priced R2R DACS from Denafrips, Aqua, Lampizator and others. So I'm wondering whether I should give them another try. Unfortunately, where I live the only real (suboptimal) option is to audition by purchasing one DAC at a time. Before I start down that road again, I thought I would ask the collective brain of Audiogon about how much of a difference I might expect, as against the Holo Spring level 2, from a new Denafrips Pontus II or used Terminator II, a used Aqua La Voce or Lampizator, or some other R2R DAC under $5K. I don't require require resolutions greater than 24/192 (beyond which I discern no difference). I do like the option of MQA decoding, but it's not a deal breaker. 

The rest of my system (source components aside), at present, include a Parasound JC2 BP preamp, a pair of VTV Purifi mono amps, and Harbeth C7ES-3 speakers.

audio-satisficer

There are dozens and dozens of R2R DACs available with significant  varying performance levels ( Poor to sublime)  amongst them. It is not clear to me how a specific encounter with a single R2R DAC can establish such a broad brush conclusion.

 

What about the very important analogue output stage, I/V conversion and power supply quality that very likely are more influential on the sound quality of a given DAC. There seems to be substantial extrapolation occurring here. This applies to delta sigma designs as well, vast differences within this group.

Charles

Responding to Yage: Thanks for the suggestion. I've got a pair of subs in the system. I wouldn't say the sound of my system is edgy. I'm just looking for a tad more smoothness. It's a matter of a a few percentiles. Perhaps I should just abide by my moniker and be satisfied that I'm so close to what I want to hear.

Okay, maybe I inferred your post incorrectly but you seem to place a lot on R2R based on the Holo May DAC experience. 

Charles 

The best way would be with different speakers or EQ. Switching around DACS  isn't going to do it unless you buy one purposely designed to have a sound.  IMO DACs should be transparent to the system.