I am checking out these DAC's for my system

You’re running audio through your TV, correct? Well, this is a lot of overkill because your system is limited through a TV using toslink. Know this very well as I’ve done similar over the years.

Very familiar with SMC Audio and I owned their Rev. A DNA 300 amp (with carbon wire upgrade) which is stellar. Had sold it leading to a move but it was fantastic. Based on your system, I don’t think you are going to achieve the best results with high end DACs vs. available excellent DACs.

You can maybe try out a couple of used DACs like an AKM version of the RME ADI-2 or a Chord Qutest for not too much versus many of these named in the thread here.

You may be more surprised that they perform on par with some of the others listed here for your system. An audio system is the sum of everything (room, synergy, etc.) and people often forget that especially how the amplifier is such a primary, critical driver overall.

Best of luck on your audio journey.

Last year at this time I was in your same position and I was guided into my ultimate purchases by advice given here.  It is impossible to hear everything let alone hear the units connected to your existing components(synergy).

I ended up with a HiFi Rose 250 with a Denafrips Venus2 12th DAC.  Denafrips is uncanny good in my system.  Therefore, if you’re interested in their T2, I would predict you’ll love it for the $$ value.  If I A-B the Denafrips vs the Rose internal DAC it’s obvious that the Denafrips is worth every penny.

There are other R-R DACs that people seem to love.  Personally I have listened to high end chip DACs connected in my system (Aurender & Lumin)  & I would choose an R-R over a chipset due to their unique sonic qualities.  However the Denafrips is the only one I connected to my gear.

I can also endorse the Rose as a streamer and have been very pleased with their App as on-par with Aurenders.  The app is incredibly important in terms of your overall experience.  Both of the aforementioned are superior to Lumin & Goldnote.

brbrock, I just added a used Denafrips Terminator to my setup and stream via Wiim Ultra. Although the DAC is 4 years old it is fabulous to my ears. It replaced a Cambridge 851N that broke twice. The Terminator brings more detail and much broader soundstage. I went with the Denafrips based upon numerous reviews and because I prefer the vale of used I was not able to demo any other DAC’s.

My other components:

McCormack DNA 0.5 amplifier

Manley Jumbo Shrimp preamplifier

Kef 104.2 speakers

@brbrock I don’t have a comment on DACs, but I do commend you on your choice of amp. I have the same one.

As you are confronting, there is ever-expanding world of high-performance digital-to-analog converters (DACs), there are numerous options ranging from $1,900 to well over $30,000. After an extensive auditioning process, I have two standout recommendations that deliver exceptional sound quality at their respective price points.

Linear Tube Audio Aero DAC (with Ray Reserve Tubes)

The first and most compelling choice is the LTA Aero DAC equipped with upgraded Ray Reserve tubes. This DAC embodies the warmth, depth, and natural tonality that tube-based designs are known for, yet it retains an impressive level of detail and transparency. With its refined presentation, expansive soundstage, and lifelike imaging, the Aero DAC effortlessly competes with significantly more expensive options.

Denafrips Pontus 15

For those seeking a near-reference-level R-2R DAC at a more accessible price, the Denafrips Pontus 15 is a stellar option. Representing a substantial upgrade over the Pontus 12, the Pontus 15 has been favorably compared by some reviewers to its more expensive sibling, the Venus, in terms of tonal accuracy, dynamics, and resolution. While it doesn't quite match the Aero in organic richness, it comes remarkably close, especially after an extensive burn-in period.

Critical Considerations: USB and Burn-In

To extract the best performance from either of these DACs, USB cable selection is crucial. While the Cardas USB is serviceable, an upgrade to something like the WyWires Platinum USB can be transformative, unveiling greater clarity, microdynamics, and soundstage depth.

Burn-in is another essential factor:

The LTA Aero DAC requires at least 200 to 300 hours of continuous playback before reaching its full sonic potential.

The Denafrips Pontus 15 arrives with 100 hours of factory burn-in but needs 500 hours or more to fully settle, with continued refinement over time.