How much should I spend on a new DAC

I’m not up on Roon, but pretty sure the Innuos can be used as a Roon endpoint so there may still be a benefit.  Maybe someone else can chime in here?

@baylinor I know you like your X26, but with the Ares you’re comparing a lesser R2R DAC so not surprised you preferred your Gustard.  Here’s a review that directly compares the X26 to the Gustard R26 R2R DAC, which is a more fair comparison, and the reviewer has a clear preference for the latter and puts it in the top 5 of all DACs he’s heard regardless of price.

https://soundnews.net/sources/dacs/a-new-point-of-reference-gustard-r26-discrete-r-2r-ladder-dac-review/

I just bought a Black Ice tube DAC on sale (direct from Black Ice) for $899. They offer a 45 day no risk trial. My initial impression of the DAC and the company is very good. As others have said, you need a streamer and the Node has been suggested which is what I have. I have no clue about the ROON side of the equation.

Someone suggested ditching Tidal - I'm a Tidal user (basic service I do not have MQA) and have been a/b testing Qobuz over the last 2 months to see what the fuss was all about - and so far I have zero reason to switch purely based on sound quality. Today Qobuz started playing songs from a few seconds into the track and then skipping to the next song. Happened multiple times with different albums. Never happened with Tidal. But why not get a free month and see for yourself?

+1 on the Bricasti M3.  I would look for a used Bricasti with a network steamer card.  
 

@soix 

I'm aware. I read all the hoopla about the r26 upon its release. Obviously this is Gustard's way to go with the flow as to not miss on any sales. I get it. However, in my system and room, the r2r ultimately did not give me the clarity that I get from my vinyl rig. The delta sigma is much closer to it. Whether that has to do with a lesser expensive r2r vs. a more expensive delta sigma, I don't know and don't need to find out at this point. You are one of the guys who leaned me to go with r2r and I never regretted it. You were helpful in many ways and without experiencing it in my specific system and room, I would have never known. Also, the main thing that held me back from going up the ladder with denafrips r2r is none of their dacs features a remote, an absolute necessary for my enjoyment. In fact I shared that with Alvin. I did buy a Jay's cdt2-mk3 from him though, with remote, great guy.

I have the U2 mini and it is a great streamer.  I have a Reimyo DAC that is a ladder dac and only does 44.1.  I love that DAC.  I have a SPL Director Pre-amp which also has a DAC that runs hi-res files.  I can't hear any diff in hi-res vs 44.1.

Terry London did a review on the Bircasti DAC on Stereotimes so you can read it there. Also check out Twittering Machines website because he reviewed the U2 mini and a lot of DACs.  I would highly say to get a way to hear it in your system because synergy amoung the parts is way more important than anytyhing else,.  I found this out when I plugged in $300 Hsu speakers I bought used into my $15K electronics and was stunned at how good they sounded.  No one would ever recommend those speakers for my system.  Love this stuff.

jh