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Too many choices for R2R DACS--opinions appreciated

So I've decided to treat myself to a new DAC to celebrate a rather significant birthday coming up, and I'm very intrigued by the new generation of DACs employing R2R technology. Reviews have been unrelentingly positive, but I have way too many choices now, so I'd appreciate some opinions from any of you who may have had a chance to compare some of them. Price range: about $3K (with some slight headroom if the right DAC warrants it). I've looked at reviews for Audio-GD, Denafrips, Sonnet, and the new one from Jay's Audio (which doesn't yet seem to have any reviews that I can find). 

I'll be replacing a DAC that I actually really like, an Abbingdon Music Research DP-777 (not SE) which I've had for a few years now, but from what I read about the R2Rs, they appear to produce a sound I might like even better. 

Listening preferences: mostly classical, some folk, some Broadway, and I never  totally outgrew my taste for the good ol' rock music I grew up with. 

Rest of the system: Modwright KWI-200 integrated, Cambridge Audio CXU disc spinner, Ryan R610 speakers, Rel S2 sub. Cables: Audience & Cardas. (This all might be a bit TMI, but let's cover all the bases).

Your opinions gratefully received. Thanks!

 

cooper52
mrmanisundaram
82 posts
 

Audio Note Kit Dac 4.1 or 5.1.....they are awesome.....I have been through quite a few r2r dacs including the Terminator, Orchid, and such, and find the 4.1 to be absolutely fantastic.  Just does its job, no fuss.  Good luck.

whipsaw
758 posts
 

I have owned three of the above-mentioned DACs, a Pontus II, Merason DAC-1, and Aqua La Scala. I am now very happy with the latter, though it isn't really fair to compare it to the Pontus, as the Terminator (or Holo May, etc.) are closer to its price point.

mahgister's avatar
mahgister
13,011 posts
 

I own this dac...Starting point system dac with internal battey for low noise and TDA 1543...I connected it to a linear supply...Minimal design ...

Quality/ price ratio over the roof...

With luck you will discover one at 100 bucks...

i am even afraid to upgrade it...

I cannot fault it in my room...

My imaging and any other acoustical characteristic are filling the room... Then....

But if you want a costly microscope dont look at it.... Here violin sound like violin in a room not violin under microscope.... 😁😊

I think i must buy a second one in case...

I own two Sansui amplifiers...

I am nut yes...

I owned two Tannoy speakers dual gold because i loved them so much...

😁😊

I cannot buy a second pair of my actual Mission Cyrus 781...I pay mine 40  bucks...

Anyway i am too old to double my wife...

 

agbrace
40 posts
 

I've had a handful of DACs, Benchmark DAC3, Topping D90, Bryston BDA-3, Chord Qutest. I have now settled on a Denafrips Venus II, build quality is outstanding and sound quality is excellent, zero harshness, sounds very open, musical, tonality is very good, smooth and yet detailed at the same time. Alvin at Vinshine is also great to deal with, excellent customer service. The upgrade bug still persists a bit and the Holo Audio May KTE is tempting but I feel I may be nearing the point of diminishing marginal returns. Good luck.

knighttodd
201 posts
 

Everyone has their preferences.  Mine is Audio GD r7he mkii.  It's sound is perfect and spot on musical. Excellent PRAT, never a hint of glare. Sound is very analog. Having the class A power supply really puts it a step above the others in its price range.  Skip Underwood and buy direct from Kingwa from Audio GD.  Then you will get a 10 year warranty and upgrades down the road. 

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