HDMI is not the same as IIS, so don’t count on that one.
Do I Need a New DAC?
Do I Need a New DAC?
Newbie here to seek advice on a new DAC with a budget of up to $2K
I am thinking about adding a new my DAC so my stereo setup can play a small collection of SACDs using a 4K DVD player.
Here is my current Stereo setup
CD Player: Emotiva ERC-1 (as a transport)
DVD Player: Sony UBP-X800M2
DAC: Monarchy Audio M33 DAC / pre-amp
Pre-amp: Audio Research SP-6E (I think)
Power-amp: Audio Research VT100 MIII
Speakers: KEF104.2 (re-capped; replaced ferrofluid)
Analog: SOTA Nova V, SME3009 III, Audio Technica AT440MLA cartridge
Interconnectors and speaker cables: DIY Gotham cable
I have a decent collection of CDs (classical, jazz, and pop) that I listen to occasionally; I have no plan to rip and stream them for any time soon.
All the equipment except the DVD player have been with me for a while. I am thinking about spending some money in the next several years to upgrade the DAC, the CD player, the pre-amp and the speakers in that order.
The reason to add a new DAC as the Toslink In on the Monarchy M33 is broken and I cannot connect the Sony DVD player to the DAC (the digital In is currently connected with the CD player); also, I would like to get some updated technology on DAC.
Based on web research, I am thinking about these DACs: Gustard R26, OKto Research, Soekris DAC2541, Schiit Yggdrasil + (a bit over budget), and Hegel HD30 DAC (used). I have yet to hear the sound of any of these DACs. I am OK with either new or used and open to other recommendations.
Shall I add a DAC or shall I forget about the SACDs (about 20 CDs); instead, buy a better CD player or save more money to buy a better pre-amp. Not going to invest in a dedicated SACD player for now though.
Thank you very much for your time; looking forward to reading your comment.
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- 23 posts total
Thank you @robshaw blackbag20, @mlsstl @rockrider and @blackbag20 for the information. @robshaw...I definitely will check out the Audiolab CDT transport + the Benchmark DAC3 combo; review said the DAC3 HGC version is even better as recommended by @audphile1 above. I am willing to spend up to $2500 or a bit more for the DAC as it will be a device to keep for the foreseeable future. @mlsstl .....just browse the WiiMPro on Amazon; seems like a good investment to get into streaming. Will do some homework on streaming setup and such. After getting all the feedback for you folks, I have some idea on the DAC purchase but I need to research more on it before pulling the trigger. Streaming sounds simple enough that I am willing to spend $150 to test the water. |
OP,
+1 @pmm
I must chime in on the Yggdrasil or Ayer. I own a Schiit Gungnir that I bought to help a friend choose a DAC… we bougt him a Yggy. My headphone system has a Ayre… a great DAC for the money. I would go for the Yggdrasil… unless you can afford better. |
- 23 posts total