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R2R Ladder DACs or All in One Streamer Solutions

I am soon to own a Pass INT 25 integrated amp. I also own an Oppo 205. 

I am now searching for a separate DAC to replace/improve the DAC in the Oppo.
Budget $2k. Used preferred.

I like the R2R ladder sound and want a tube inside for a little balance with the Solid State gear.
My current source is the Oppo 205.

I am also shopping for a Streamer/Ripper/Storage device. Roon friendly and DSD capable.
Budget also $2k. Used Preferred.

It seems that the few offerings of these all in one solutions all contain a DAC.
My thought is that the DAC included will not be any better than the Oppo so it is of little use.

Has anyone been down this road lately? 

Am I missing something?

Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences!
chorus
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,689 posts
 
i'll toss out one that no one will think of. Schiit Audio upper end DAC's are multi bit (r2r) the Gungnir Multi bit dac is $1299 i have one and am quite pleased.  They have a really good deal on the  YGGDRASIL GS $1599 the normal version is $2499 so that could be a smoking deal for the sound you get. 

https://www.schiit.com/products/yggdrasil-gs


desktopguy
373 posts
 
+1 on MHDT Labs Orchid. Love NOS & love that DAC. 

In fact, it makes me curious what the other MHDT models sound like. 

BTW, Linear Tube Audio, the U.S. distributor for MHDT Labs, was kind enough to add a 2nd RCA output pair on the back of my unit (reasonable cost). I find it incredibly helpful to have dual DAC outputs in my complicated desktop system. This is another reason I like my Orchid.
mesch
3,506 posts
 
Yes having two outputs on a source can be beneficial. Like adding a headphone amp to a speaker based system.
oltexan
35 posts
 

I have been down this road when I had to replace my hybrid amp. I bought a Schitt  headphone amp/tube buffer. It was too much going directly into the new amp but worked well in my phone stage. I bought an RME ADI-2 and was able to just slightly tone down the treble and got what what I wanted. Tubes are great but tricky and each tube family has a sound.

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