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Recommend me a DAC under 3k

Hi All,

Long time reader, first time poster!

I’m expanding my all-analog system to add a proper digital front end and would like recommendations for a DAC to connect to my Wiim pro plus.


Listening Habits:

I primarily listen to LPs, but appreciate the convenience and discoverability that digital provides. I don’t have a digital music library and only stream via Tidal and Spotify. My 2-channel system does double duty as a sound system for our TV as well.


Requirements:

  • All-in <= $3k
  • Prioritizes sound quality above all else
  • Streaming supports Tidal Connect directly or via some other protocol
  • TosLink Input (for casual TV)


Personal Preferences:

  • When tuning components in my system, I’ve preferred ones that are more detailed/transparent rather than overly warm/harmonic. E.g. Telefunken over Amperex or Mullard. Duelund CAST over AN copper.
  • Realistic tone/timbre, soundstage, micro-detail, and impactful bass are important to me.


Currently under consideration:

  • Denafrips Pontus II 12th
  • Denafrips Venus II
  • Schiit Yggdrasil
  • ANK DAC 4.1x (with Duelund caps, etc)
  • Gustard R26


The rest of my system is as follows:

  • CSS 2TD-x tower speakers (neutral with some mid-bass warmth)
  • ANK EL34 35W Monoblocks
  • ANK L5 Mentor Preamp
  • ANK L3 Phono V2
  • Mofi Ultradeck with Master Tracker cartridge
  • Richard Gray 600RM Pro Power Conditioner
kuhyay
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,197 posts
 

In our audio club I have heard many very good dacs and some very $$.

this musician Aquarius dac for $3k before knowing the price it’s a very well balanced R2R dac  I thought it was in the $5k range , I was very surprised it was in the $3k range , the owner said it took over 300 hours to fully runin. 
but being digital youcan leave on 24-7 to burn in he left it on for 10 day he said .

checkit out plenty of very good reviews ,holosprings and Denafrips all have dacs in this range but nine had the detail and refinement this did this review was pretty accurate.   https://soundnews.net/sources/dacs/musician-aquarius-r-2r-dac-review/

robbydouglas2
10 posts
 

I have a Black Ice Tube DAC running 2 Amperex Bugle Boy 12ax7’s. For my taste, it’s the best I’ve heard, even anywhere near $3k. 

dhungana's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
dhungana
36 posts
 

Weiss 204 or 205. 
 

A bit over your price range but worth a listen. 

willg1985's avatar
willg1985
46 posts
 

+1 for the Yggdrasil OG. That with an upgraded power cord and you'll be in heaven. 

vthokie83
932 posts
 

It looks like your Wiim Pro Plus, has coax and optical digital outputs.....so no need for a DDC right now. You may want to consider the DAC input options, if you plan to upgrade the Wiim in the future.....one that does have USB outputs.

+1 for R2R ladder DACs, but I'd also throw in the Weiss DACs. The 205 ($2,600) which does not have USB input, or the more expensive 204 ($3,500) which does add USB input. I can also highly recommend the Musician Aquarius ($3,100) and the Denafrips Pontus II 12th ($1,850) , both of which I have extensively tested in my system. I own the Denafrips Pontus, but the Aquarius takes things to another level....albeit for an additional $1,300.

Personally I preferred the Denafrips Pontus and the Musician Aquarius over the Denafrips Venus, but if you are looking for a more detailed presentation....the Venus just might be right for you.

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