I got my Directstream DAC new for $3350. There's that.
Need DAC Ideas
Some of you have heard many different DACs and can help me
put together the best possible line up of DACs from $1.8 to $3.9k.
In order for the comparison to be of maximum value I need to hear
only from those who have had some direct comparison experience.
There are probably 30 companies offering a product in this range.
I am looking for musicality and value as opposed to say the last word
in accuracy.
Some Possibles:
1. Line Magnetic $2.2
2. Audio Mirror Tubadour 3 $1.9
3. Denafrips Pontus $1.8
4. Holo Audio Spring 3 $2.8
5. Doge 7 $2.3
6. Wired for Sound 2V2 $2.5.
7. Audio Note (kit) 4.1X $3.8
8. Lampizator Amber $3.5
9. Schiit Yggy $2.5
Once the top 8-10 are identified and gathered there will be an
opportunity for anyone interested to sit in on the comparison.
Please respond with your brand experience.
JJSS in particular.
Thank you
put together the best possible line up of DACs from $1.8 to $3.9k.
In order for the comparison to be of maximum value I need to hear
only from those who have had some direct comparison experience.
There are probably 30 companies offering a product in this range.
I am looking for musicality and value as opposed to say the last word
in accuracy.
Some Possibles:
1. Line Magnetic $2.2
2. Audio Mirror Tubadour 3 $1.9
3. Denafrips Pontus $1.8
4. Holo Audio Spring 3 $2.8
5. Doge 7 $2.3
6. Wired for Sound 2V2 $2.5.
7. Audio Note (kit) 4.1X $3.8
8. Lampizator Amber $3.5
9. Schiit Yggy $2.5
Once the top 8-10 are identified and gathered there will be an
opportunity for anyone interested to sit in on the comparison.
Please respond with your brand experience.
JJSS in particular.
Thank you
17 responses Add your response
@chorus I am looking for musicality and value as opposed to say the last wordin accuracy. what is the rest of your system? you need to say more about the sound you are looking for... of your list above i had only had and heard 4 of the 9... but i have been through quite a few others, several of which to me represent superior 'value' i don’t know what accuracy is, but i know what sounds good to me |
Fuuztone, Grinnell and Soix, Thanks for the suggestions. $1.8 is the low end of my list. So if you have something that should be considered below that number please pass it along. I am not limiting these considerations to what may work best in only my system. The DACs selected will be heard by anyone curious in what is the best out there in this price range. jjss- Please give me the names/models of the others you found to be superior and which you were comparing them to. Thanks again for everyone's help! |
If you are looking for musicality first and foremost, I'd suggest a used Aqua La Voce. The La Voce III is now close to $5000. I paid about $ 3750 for my La Voce II. At one point, John Darko placed Aqua DACs atop several of the higher tiers in his DAC index. Unfortunately, the index is only available to paid suscribers, now. I recall his evaluation of the Schiit Gungnir was was very favorable in terms of musicality, as well. Aqua is made in Italy and of course, Schiit is made in California. |
If you are looking for musicality first and foremost, I'd suggest a used Aqua La Voce. The La Voce III is now close to $5000. I paid about $ 3750 for my La Voce II. At one point, John Darko placed Aqua DACs atop several of the higher tiers in his DAC index. Unfortunately, the index is only available to paid suscribers, now. I recall his evaluation of the Schiit Gungnir was was very favorable in terms of musicality, as well. Aqua is made in Italy and of course, Schiit is made in California.The Aqua La Voce S3 retails for $4300. Because Aqua's DACs are modular, earlier models can be upgraded to the current model. |
Oops - I apologize for posting the wrong price on the La Voce III ! I bought mine from Alex at Alma Music in San Diego but it seems they no longer carry Aqua. A pity, as they sent me a demo model to try out before buying, which sold me on the unit. Here is contact info for the current US distributor from the Aqua site: Scott Wylde Arcadia Audio Marketing Phone: +1 416 994 5571 arcadiaaudio@gmail.com Scott might know of another US retailer willing to send you a demo unit. John Darko's review of La Voce S 2:: https://darko.audio/2015/09/aqua-hifi-la-voce-s2-review-new-tricks-from-an-old-dog/ John Darko's review of La Voce S 3: https://darko.audio/2018/03/aqua-hifi-announce-la-voce-s3-dac/ Good luck on your search ! |
The above "review" of the S3 is more of a press release. However, there are various other reviews of the S3, including: https://www.6moons.com/audioreviews2/aqua4/1.html |
I own the Doge 7 Tube Dac. I haven’t heard the others on your list. They have strong reputations. It’s a good time to be in the market as you have so many great options! I recommend the Doge without reservation. You might want to add the new Primaluna Tube DAC. I haven’t heard it, but it looks compelling at $3k. |
