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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
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 

i would concur that the pontus 2 is the sweet spot in the denafrips line, for most audiophiles with good systems

the ddc part is very dependent on how the dac is fed in terms of positive impact on sound quality

one caveat though is that i feel denafrips as a company has recently engaged in what i call ’rampant product-update-itis’ -- incessant new models/versions/variants... with very little to practically no substance to this marketing driven crapola in my experience -- this tactic unfortunately puts a stink on what i otherwise consider to be quite good quality high value gear in the dac space

jacobsdad2000
433 posts
 

In this category, price range I would look at the Schiit. Great sound, build quality and built in the USA, if that has any influence on your decision. 

tvrgeek
299 posts
 

Forgot to mention Benchmark. By their WEB, they seem to have tackled most if not all the known issues. Digital cliping, power supplies, great output etc. 

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dhungana
36 posts
 

I’m revising my previous recommendation. Having owned a Weiss 204 and then subsequently owning an Audio Mirror Toubadour, I have to say to my ears the Audio Mirror Toubadour was a much better sounding DAC. USAM has some pre-owned models within your price range, if you haven’t already purchased one yet.

One more thing to add, for both the Weiss and the Toubadour, I was running it through a Denafrips Gaia DDC.

Vlad is very responsive as well and I’m sure you can count on continued customer support if you get one of his DACs.

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