Why do I prefer R2R over Chip based DAC's?


I have had a couple of mid to low priced DAC's. Schiit Modi, Schiit multibit in a card. Topping E30. all inexpensive I know. Am I not spending enough money? I have heard a Schiit Bifrost, I did like it. I am currently using a Topping Octo with the Schiit Midgard for headphones. This has been my best combination to date for a all in under $1000 us. The Octo has good instrument separation and the soundstage is expansive. The Octo does not have that harsh semblance I can not stand. What would be my next upgrade? 

chiliray

I really enjoy my digital setup. Auralic Aries G2.2 , Chord M-Scaler, Chord  TT2. Cables for Digital connection are all Shunyata Sigma, USB and two Sigma S/PDIF .. 

I am late to the game but will give my MHO in responding to your 3 questions:

1:  Why do I prefer R2R based DACs to chip based DACs? - as I have posted before it is not the processor technology but the execution of the designers intent that matters.  Some of the most respected and costly DACs use chip or proprietary processor technology (Chord, Solution, Bricasti, Mola Mola, Wadex).  Generalizing, and it’s dangerous to do so but I will, R2R DACs produce a detailed but soft presentation while chip based and proprietary DACs produce an equally or more detailed presentation that is upfront and forward.  If you audition products like the Bricasti M1 S2 or Mola Mola Tambaqui and compare them to the Denafrips Terminator 12th or DCS Bartok the subtle difference supporting the generalization is evident.  This is a subjective hobby and it’s good you are using your ears.  Many prefer the softer presentation.  I don’t and shy towards chip based products.  
2:  Am I spending enough?  SQ generally improves with price to a point of limiting return where increased price is not proportional to improved SQ.  IMHO that point for DACs is around $5k.  DACs in the $5 - $10k range the will perform better but return on improved SQ less proportional, and more similar than different to each other. Difference become a personal preference and are driven by the designers intent.  Two rules apply to spend.  First, spend must be correlated to the rest of the system.  You would not realize the true potential of a high resolution $20k DAC in a $3k system.  In fact, SQ may be worse than a lower resolution DAC due to component mismatch. Do not underestimate the significance of system matching. Second, spend must to correlated to your budget and acceptance of your significant other, the latter to avoid the pains of purgatory to  amend.  Only you can answer this question.  
3:  What is my next improvement or upgrade?  You seem to be happy to a degree with your current DAC.  You state you are still using a PC as your streamer/server. IMHO I think you would realize significant improvement with a dedicated streamer/server.   There will be a significant reduction in digital glare, more black background, improved detail , and imaging and staging.  Contenders would be a pre-owned Lumin U1, Innous Zen Mini, or Aurender N-100H all coming in at around $1k … and get a good digital cable of your choice that mates with your DAC.  Another possible totally different direction offering an across the board improvement would be power conditioning.  Good SQ starts with good power.  I found significant improvements in my system SQ with improvements in power conditioning.  
 

Good luck.  Others in this thread gave you solid recommendations for R2R DACs in your budget if you stay that course.  

You're listening to music off of a Mac Mini. Invest in a dedicated streamer, that'll make more of an audible difference than fussing over DACs. Even a Wiim Pro with LPS (linear power supply) will beat the mac mini. A bit better, Limetree Bridge II or something, tiny German made machine and with an MCRU LPS it sounds like a much more expensive piece of gear. 

Then you can up your DAC game later. 

 

Contact Vladimir at Audio Mirror and see if you can snag a pre owned Toubadour III or IV that someone may have traded for the V. It will fit your budget and given you a great tune sound. He’s very responsive and can upgrade the components as well.

also +1 for the Okto DAC8 as the best inexpensive DAC around IMO.

You're listening to music off of a Mac Mini. Invest in a dedicated streamer, that'll make more of an audible difference than fussing over DACs. .....

Then you can up your DAC game later. 

Excellent advice. I'm sure there are thousands of people out there swapping DAC's every few months based on read reviews and making superfluous conclusions on the sound, then posting about it, without ever knowing the true sound quality. Sometimes people have to be made aware that having the cart in front of the horse just doesn't work very well. Take that same "harsh sounding DAC" put it behind a Grimm (for example) and "oh wow, not harsh anymore!"