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Which DAC makers let you do in home trial?

I'm interested in comparing some DACS for purchase, maximum price about $1600, let's say.
Auditioning them is a hope.
I know that people can get speakers and sometimes amps on trials from manufacturers and from some brick and mortar shops.
So, my question to you all is:
Have you been able to audition DAC's in your home? Which companies with good at home trials and return policies (besides Ps Audio, which is great about that but their DAC is super expensive).
The alternative is just to take a shot in the dark, which I'd prefer not to do. I like to take time and assess before spending this kind of money.
128x128hilde45
cal3713's avatar
cal3713
1,421 posts
 
iFi products are available around (e.g., Music Direct) with 30-day returns.  

Audio Mirror's baseline model (Tubadour III) has a home trial period too (7-10 days I think).

And I'll have to respectfully disagree with @djones51.  I demoed the Audio Mirror (special edition) against a Lampizator Amber 3, ifi iDSD pro, Matrix X-Sabre Pro, Shiit Bifrost 2, and PS Audio Directstream DAC and ended up with the AM.  It's a NOS R2R DAC.  It was the most musical DAC in my system (Don Sach's 2 Preamp, First Watt F4 monoblocks, Coincident PRE speakers).  I liked the iFi the second best.  
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,974 posts
 
Thanks, for both of your opinions and elaborations. Even when folks disagree, I learn what's relevant. 

david_ten
5,480 posts
 
I do not recommend a limited time ’demo’ or ’audition’ given where you are in your journey.

Commit to a DAC. Live with it. Optimize it. LEARN. And Enjoy it. Move on only after you have learned as much as you can and have figured out where your path leads next, at that point in time.

+1 re. @cal3713 ’s point on NOS R2R DACs.

There are a number of examples that have worked well for numerous and varied members [within your specified budget].

They can be Solid State (and I would choose solid state)...to @djones51 ’s valid point regarding best pairings / synergies, SHOULD YOU follow the DAC with tubed amplification.
mike_in_nc
1,151 posts
 
Anything that Crutchfield sells comes with a 60-day trial.

The new Topping D-90 has outstanding measurements & has gotten great reactions from early users. I'd be tempted to try it, at $699. Available from Apos with a 30-day return. Benchmark also has a return period, I think 30 days.
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,974 posts
 
@david_ten Thanks for your input. I was planning on making the best possible guess based on recommendations, but I like the idea of being able to return a $1500 DAC if it's not working out. I'm not planning on being fickle about the choice, if that's how I came across. Still, I take your point -- which I assume is that one needs to not be under the illusion that they can avoid the longer experience of learning-by-listening. That makes sense to me, and I can imagine just committing, as you say, with a solid recommendation in hand.
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