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

@jriggy I went through a simple trade in process - Venus to Terminator. Took three months and in the end they told me to send Venus to Singapore. They did not actually have US rep so they were trying to find an open box buyer for me to ship to. So there.

@mikhailark you seem to of taken my comment personally. I am in no way saying anything about you or your experience. I am simply saying that there are many that have had fine experience and help from them, that would disagree with an overall statement such as yours. That’s all. So there. Lol? 

you seem to of taken my comment personally.

You seem to have taken my comment personally.

 

Other:

"should of".... "could of".... "must of" = "unsophisticated remote Appalachia" anglais

"should have"..."could have".... "must have" = better anglais

As a T1 owner I concur that you’ll be hard pressed to find a better DAC for less. I do recommend that you perhaps consider upgrading whatever digital cable you’re using. The Terminators pair exceptionally well with Sablon Audio Cables, I’ve been using the Sablon 2020 usb, it’s superb…hands down the most non-digital, non-offensive, “organic” sounding cable I’ve heard in the $500-$2K range. If I were to make any bang for the buck upgrades it would undoubtedly be to the latest Sablon EVO usb. My purely subjective opinion of course, fwiw.

Not mentioned much...but I went from a Okto Dac8 to Audio mirror Tubadour V  and the sound stage opened up Immensely. Sound stage filled in between my speakers with a lot of air between instruments..extending outside my speakers...and just seems to wrap around me. You can get a new Tubadour V for 6k and a Tub IV for 4k on USaudiomart.  I have been slowly rebuilding my system and the current weak link is my dated Auralic mini streamer but really cant imagine it getting any better.

I am really hooked on improving  holographic imaging...currently smiling every night I listen.