R2R next? Don't like ESS

   Hi , I’m right there with you regarding ESS chipset. The Border Patrol DAC intrigues me too, what’s your budget ? Although I can’t give you a recommendation for R2R, I have been happy with Schitt DAC’s. I started with an Uber Analog Bifrost long ago and then went to the original Yiggy which I’ve used for the past 8-9 years. I like the Texas Instruments chips as they aren’t dry so like the ESS chips. That being said the new production Bifrost DAC’s are very well received and the early generation ones like my Uber Bifrost sell for $2-300. But be aware of what usb card is utilized. My Uber usb is for Windows 7 and gets fussy with newer streamers. I updated my Yiggy to the current card as you can do with any of them. Also maybe look at vendor’s that have a 30 day return polices including Amazon and take something for a test drive. Happy Hunting , Mike B. 

Depends what sound characteristics you’re looking for, and what’s your budget and are you looking for new or used.  What are some of the DACs you’ve heard and didn’t like?  All this is helpful info in making more meaningful and targeted recommendations. 

During my recent audions of cheap DACs, I also found that the ESS chips weren’t my preference either. I settled on an SMSL C100 with the AK4493 chip set for ~ ~$120. It was really good in it’s stock form for the cost, but adding a MUSES02 opamp, and linear regulated power supply really brought it up a few clicks. Extremely happy with that combination. The SU-1 is very similar for a bit less if you don’t want to pay for the remote.

Just a note. Budget DACs tend to sound like the technology they use... but this difference disappears as you move up the ladder (hehe). So, as a guess DACs over $3.5K or so generally don't reflect the chip set or technology used. At this level, enough design effort is put in to tune the player to a specific sound. 

Having tried Burr-Brown dacs (some are nice), later on some different ESS chipped designs, and various with Phillips chip sets, if you stay with chip based dacs, the

>> designer and special designs is where the real differences are << imo.

Of course you can try some of the resistor-ladder DACs, all the rage for some - many out there. However, if you must go with a processor chip based DAC, its worth reading up on the designer and the type of sound they were going for. I’m back to a simple TAD1543 chip based DAC, 24/96, with a tube in the power supply circuit, not the signal path - and enjoy it quite a bit actually. Opinions vary greatly, take your time looking around. Best of Luck.