Soekris DAC1541 discrete R2R 27bit Multibit! Best Redbook DAC? and Native DSD.

Actually, the same dac but without balanced output is the DAC1421 and it’s only 735euro = $853usd.

In those exhaustive tests it said the single ended output measured slightly quieter than the balanced anyway.

Cheers George

@georgehifi

FWIW, (likely not all that much), and from what I can gather (without extensive research), the Soekris has been well reviewed elsewhere and found "very clean, precise, and with a black background", but not in the same "class" as Yggdrasil. Specifically, bass, dynamics and soundstage (lacking in comparison).

EDIT:

Note I intentionally used the word "inexpensive" and not "cheap". So I agree with you. It doesn't have to be expensive to be good.

Cool DAC, but there's no US based sales location or site as of yet.

I tried three preamps with my DAC and wasn't very happy with any of them. I have since just hooked my Yggy directly to the amp and I'm very pleased with the sound!

Trouble is... I only have pre-DAC volume control which I have recently read (from George) that anything below 70% volume into a D/A Converter can cause "Bit Stripping". So, looks like I'm getting a Freya. 

I was really just on here searching for any word on good crossover software to replace my physical crossovers, since I plan on replacing my speakers soon. I know I will need new xovers, just no clue where to look.

but there's no US based sales location or site as of yet.

Strange I though it was designed in the US and built in Denmark, you'd think they have a US outlet.

Cheers George