I recently upgraded my DAC to a Schiit Audio Gungnir 2, and I am very pleased with the sound quality. Streaming Tidal through my iPad Pro, it is very good, and I know when I replace the iPad with a dedicated streamer—I am considering the Innuous Zen MkIII and the PSAudio AirLens—it will improve further; in fact, I expect it will make it amazing, because it already sounds like the musicians are in the room. Even my non-audiophile wife—who nonetheless enjoys fine music reproduced accurately—commented on the improvement. Price was $1599, and Schiit has a 15-day trial period, with a five percent fee for return. I believe it worthy of consideration in the price range.
Got Innuous, now a DAC
I worked with the Music Room and purchased an Innuous Zen Mk3. I remember five years ago when I started building my system, I heard many say streamers don’t matter. Well they do. I thought my BS Node 2i was good with the after market power supply. The Innuous kicked dirt in the face of the BS. The Innuous forced me to use USB which probably helps as well. And an added benefit: NO MORE SOFTWARE ISSUES. Yay! Qobuz internet interface is great. The sound of Qobuz is so good it made my $400 BT speakers sound better.
The Music Room associate said I will see another step improvement. I have looked around. I think R2R might be a good try. I would characterize my system as neutral. I have eliminated most glare or listening fatigue. But I don’t know what I don’t know.
I would like to keep this under $2000. Here are some that I found.
Denafrips Pontus 12 $1500
Ali express Denafrips 15 $1518 plus ship
Aqua La Voce. ???
Ayre Dx9. I think these are old but have good rep. I think it s Delta Sigma
Chord ??
Gustard. R26 mixed reviews
Bel Canto ???
i will not be updating amp and preamp. Thank you in advance.
The brands are exploding, but thank you in advance for your suggestions.
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@daledeee1 Excellent choice, especially for the price you paid. |
Ali Express is so full of Counterfeit products, I'm not certain I would buy tere unless you know the dealer or the Brand says the item is Legit. Again, I'm sure theres plenty of people with great experience there. When I see counterfeit McIntosh 275's that look really close, I'm guessing "plain jane" metal box dacs would be quite easy to copy. Sure many ads add "clone" to the description....
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