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The big DAC decision

One of the challenges of building an audio system is trying to make sure that all of the individual components of that system have equivalent and compatible technical specifications. For example, it doesn’t make sense to purchase speakers that are capable of producing sound in the 5Hz to 20kHz range if your amp is only capable of sending audio signals in the 30Hz to 15kHz range to these speakers. Unless, of course, you hope to upgrade your audio system such that it can properly drive these speakers someday.

In my desire to build an audio system that has the proper balance of individual component capabilities I’ve found myself struggling over the choice of a DAC. Basic technical specifications aren’t necessarily applicable here. The foundation of my system is a Woo Audio WA-33 headphone amp and Focal Utopia headphones. My music files consist of standard CD 16bit/44kHz resolution to Hi-Res DSD files. What I’m struggling with is choosing a DAC that would allow me to get the most out of this amp and headphone pairing. From the research I’ve done so far it is clear that the $23k Meridian Audio Ultra DAC would bring out the best of any system it is connected to. But does it make sense to purchase a DAC of this quality (and price) for my humble headphone system? Or would it be more appropriate to get the Chord DAVE (setting the MQA format compatibility issue aside for this discussion)? I’m currently using an Oppo 105D as my DAC and the music sounds pretty decent, but I know my system can sound better.

So I was hoping to get some input from fellow audio enthusiasts out there to make what may be the most important decision of my system build. I’m also looking at getting a PS Audio DirectStream Power Plant 12 to power this system. Anyone out there have any suggestions or thoughts on this issue?


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audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,817 posts
 
Guys the Lumin is an excellent choice.

In one simple elegant box you have everything you need. 

The X1 is both a streamer and a Dac.

It accesses everything you could want and it is backed up by a very large stable company. 

Sonically you would have to spend $7k or more to get a complicated multi box setup which might be better.


The older S1 has been a benchmark for years the new X1 brings the Lumin hardware up to an entirely new level.

Dave and Troy 
Audio Doctor NJ Lumin dealers
notubesforyou
8 posts
 
Hi

Given the dollar value of the DAC you are considering, the Brinkman Nyquist MK 11 should be at or near the top of your list. It has recently received rave reviews from TAS, Stereophile, HiFi News and Record Reviews, Tone Audio and that was before it was updated to the MK II version.

It has all of the bases covered in terms of specifications and features inc. MQA, streaming and Roon compability and is future proofed via a slide in, slide out, replaceable digital section. It also combines the best of digital and tubes and could be your only DAC. Many high end audiophiles with unlimited funds are saying it sounds better than the Nagra DAC in the $50-$60k range. 

I followed the DAC world for a couple of years and finally sprang for the Nyquist about a month ago. 
notubesforyou
8 posts
 
http://www.audioshark.org/general-audio-discussion-15/brinkmann-nyquist-dac-technical-jewel-marvelou...Hi Again

further to my previous post on the Brinkmann Nyquist DAC, you may want to follow the thread below that has followed the Brinkmann for months and has been the recipient of hundreds of comments on the product.

Cheers

Also please note I am not selling anything or representing any brand, simply trying to make a well informed decision that will stand the test of time and technology advancements.
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,817 posts
 
The Nyquest is excellent however at $18k it is $5k more then the Lumin and it doesnt have a FPGA archecture which allows for instant upgrading.

Like the Nyquest Lumin offers board based upgrades.

Nor does it have the superb Lumin app.

Bettering Nagra isnt hard other than analog products their digital has never faired well.,

The X1 will reset the bar for a streaming Dac for this price point. 

Which one is better will be a tough call.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ 
naseltzer
7 posts
 
I second the Chord Dave. It’s an amazing DAC and has a unique headphone output that will be a nice compliment to your WA33. Contrary to what one user said above, the DAVE doesn’t have a headphone amp. Rather, the DAC itself just has a very high output with a very nice volume attenuation. It wouldn’t replace your WA33 but it you may enjoy the change of pace. It's extraordinarily clean with amazing detail. 

Also, whoever told you to sell your WA33 amd get a Mytek Brooklyn should have their head examined. The Brooklyn is a decent (not spectacular) DAC but the headphone amp on it sucks. It is so ridiculously outclassed by your WA33 I’m actually laughing.

In general I would advise against taking these people’s advise, as many of them have no idea what they’re talking about. My advise is get a plane ticket and go visit a city with some real hifi stores. Personally I think the DAVE sounds like what you’re looking for tho. That MSB analog also sounds nice. Also, I wouldn’t make my decision based solely on MQA support, as Mytek fanboys do.
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