Upgrade Denafrips Terminator 2


Hi Guys,

I started my "DAC Journey" around 3 years ago. Over the time I had an Rasperry Pi 3b with integreated DAC, a Bluesound Node, then a Denafrips Pontus 2 and now a Denafrips Terminator 2. 

I am pretty happy with the T2, but I am looking for the secret Gamechanger in the DAC category.

Sure, the T2 is a great DAC, but there is for todays standard better stuff out there, even for a bit less money I guess.

My next DAC should sound a bit more holographic, more revealing with that warm sound signature. I think the R2R technology is the way to go, but I am open for everything. What I probably love the most about the T2 is that Bass slam. So I am looking forward for that kind of sound.

I read a lot about the very hyped up Holo Audio May. Also other brands like Lampizator, Rockna and LAIV are a names that can not be ignored.

 

I am a used buyer, so everything up to 5.5k for a used price is okay for me. I just need some suggestions or experiences from you guys.

Maybe someone has an cheaper option as an secret advice from a small company.

Looking forward hearing from you.

braun-hifi

I read a lot about the very hyped up Holo Audio May. Also other brands like Lampizator, Rockna and LAIV are a names that can not be ignored.

These are not better dacs than your Denafrips T2... either a sidegrade or downgrade. Settle down, discover some new artists, expand your playlist and enjoy your current dac dude. It is usually the stagnation of one’s mind/playlist that makes him think that some other dac will keep pouring magic endlessly like the Niagara.

Or you maybe have other problems like a lousy room or speakers (that throw you out of the music).

Another way to get sound that is "more holographic, more revealing" might not include a DAC change at all. I don't know if you've tried anything to reduce the amount of common-mode noise (i.e., EFI and RFI) in your digital signal path, but I've found that lowering the noise floor definitely makes sound more holographic and revealing.  I just got an Audioquest Niagara 1200 power conditioner and that helped my system reach a new level of clarity and resolution. Other previous tweak that made an immediately evident audible difference were:

1. I tried 11 different power cables ranging from free to $1400 on my Pontus II DAC. The Pontus sounded best with a $91 Supra LoRad power cable.

2. I tried 5 USB cables and settled on a Stordiau Phasure Lush cable.

3. Added an Audioquest Jitterbug noise filter on the USB output from my streamer

4. Changing rom a AmazonBasics Cat 6 ethernet cable to a Supra Cat 8 ethernet that improved the sound when streaming Qobuz

Total retail cost of these tweaks at full retail price is about $1500 or quite a bit less when buying used.

OP,

Plus 1 about not going backwards.

Speaking personally, I would really like to hear a DAC in the Lampizator line.

All the best.

@silverfoxvtx1800 I will get in contat with him, thank you. It seems like the DAC 07 is a real sleeper. Exactly what I was looking for. The Wadia is still a great DAC, even if its old. Just watch Mikeys Video on YouTube about DACs. He says, that even old DACs are still great. And he is completely right. Why should a great DAC not be great in the future?

Same goes with other HiFi Gear. New is not directly better. This is just what the brands or the magazines try to tell you. Thats how business works.

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