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What is the best DAC under $3000

I am looking to upgrade my Sony CDP-XA7ES cd player. I have a couple of options for a transport and haven't tried any ooutboard DAC's for years. Last one I had was a Theta Pro Basic IIIA. Not familiar with any of the modern day digital. Any help would be much appreciated.
sparky45
cjrxxx
11 posts
 
I had an XA7, fine unit. PLATINUM has a unit that upsamples to DSD, not sure on price. I wish the new Sony HAP-Z1ES had a SPDIF, but it does not. If you can live without DSD upsample, the latest BRYSTON dac, and the NAD M51 are very strong choices. Your XA7(as long as the Saphire platter bearing isn't worn)is an excelent transport.
tgx78
4 posts
 
exaSound e20 mkIII with .082 clock upgrade.
wisnon
700 posts
 
Try the BMC Pure Dac?
sabai
2,027 posts
 
You might want to look at the NAD M51.
pbelleau
8 posts
 
+1 for the PS Audio PWD mkII, phenomenal piece. I have been through countless Sony CDP's then an Oppo BDP-95, replaced that with an Esoteric DV-50, but the PWD tops them all. If you can afford the PWT the combo is magical but even using the PWD with your existing transport will be an upgrade.

PB
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