I have only heard 3 DACS that I can remember as being something I would buy. My criteria are great fatigue free sound quality and value ($$$). I do not think it is necessary to pay a lot of money for digital. The three DACs I like are expensive but not outrageously priced. There are better sounding units than these three but it is a matter of diminishing returns for me with the more expensive units.
1) Resonessence Labs INVICTA MIRUS (the best sounding DAC to my ears, I have not heard the likely better Pro variant) $6K
2) PS Audio DS. I like this a lot too and the fact the Ted Smith is continually upgrading the OS along with the Network Bridge feature set make me want to get this DAC. $6K but many used units being sold for a lot cheaper. A review on the Darko site was stating that the Mirrus and DS are not starting to sound very similar after the upgrades to both.
3) Benchmark DAC2. I just sold it but I loved this DAC and the price was under $2K new. I am in the process of getting ready to buy a lot of audio gear and this DAC no longer had a role in what I need.
At one point I was thinking I do not need a pre-amp with one of these 3 DACs (all have volume control) but I have changed my tune on that and will look into pairing one of these DACs with an integrated amp for my office system.
Last week, I replaced my Benchmark DAC2 HGC + Parasound A23 amp with a Peachtree Nova 150 integrated (includes a DAC) and I prefer the sound of the Nova. This is solely related to the quality of the amp and better volume control of the Nova. However, it goes to show (to me at least) that you can get great digital sound without spending a lot of money. The Nova was $1100 used.
You may find the following audio story of DACs interesting:
http://www.soundstageultra.com/index.php/features-menu/opinion-menu/781-jeffs-getting-a-new-stereo-s...
1) Resonessence Labs INVICTA MIRUS (the best sounding DAC to my ears, I have not heard the likely better Pro variant) $6K
2) PS Audio DS. I like this a lot too and the fact the Ted Smith is continually upgrading the OS along with the Network Bridge feature set make me want to get this DAC. $6K but many used units being sold for a lot cheaper. A review on the Darko site was stating that the Mirrus and DS are not starting to sound very similar after the upgrades to both.
3) Benchmark DAC2. I just sold it but I loved this DAC and the price was under $2K new. I am in the process of getting ready to buy a lot of audio gear and this DAC no longer had a role in what I need.
At one point I was thinking I do not need a pre-amp with one of these 3 DACs (all have volume control) but I have changed my tune on that and will look into pairing one of these DACs with an integrated amp for my office system.
Last week, I replaced my Benchmark DAC2 HGC + Parasound A23 amp with a Peachtree Nova 150 integrated (includes a DAC) and I prefer the sound of the Nova. This is solely related to the quality of the amp and better volume control of the Nova. However, it goes to show (to me at least) that you can get great digital sound without spending a lot of money. The Nova was $1100 used.
You may find the following audio story of DACs interesting:
http://www.soundstageultra.com/index.php/features-menu/opinion-menu/781-jeffs-getting-a-new-stereo-s...