2. digital
  3. 133545-83152

Best used or new DAC under $3500

What would be the best DAC for under $3500, new or used? I currently use the Chord Dave and I LOVE it. However, I'm looking to downgrade to save some dough. Some reference points:

1) Yggdrasil:  Sold it as the staging was too narrow/flat and it seemed a little lifeless
2) Ayre QB-9 DSD: Feel its a bit too bright/tizzy - at this point I'm done trying Sabre DACs.

Can anyone recommend a DAC that is not a mainstream sabre chip based DAC? I dont mind it if its an older generation or vintage DAC either - Just something I can get for under $3500. I don't want a discussion to defend Sabre DACs please.

Thanks!

jozurr
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,130 posts
 
If you buy s Lumin d1 player it uses Dual Wolfson best dacs 
Mojo make a a Great 12 volt external power supply for around $2700 you have s setup thst will best dacs 3z-4 x thst ,no B.S.. 
Mojo audio even gives you 40 days to prove just how good his Linear 12v Linear dupply is, or money back. 
I tried several lesser power supplies. 
mikhaelkuz
56 posts
 
Exogal DAC chip is PCM4104, which is delta-sigma.
But regardless of it they have proprietary DSP prior to it, and it is a very, very good DAC, expecially at used prices.
I briefly had it - and it was better then OPPO-105, but lost greatly to AYON CD-5 (with 4 1704 chips in differential mode and spectacular 6H30 balanced analog stage with tube rectification). I got AYON used at the price  lower then your limit. But it does not support DSD and USB input is crap (not like I care but some people do).
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
1) Yggdrasil: Sold it as the staging was too narrow/flat and it seemed a little lifeless
As I've read on head-fi in such an instance, "you’ve made someone else very happy"!
glennewdick's avatar
glennewdick
1,655 posts
 

can you not get into the ladder DAC's at that price range they seem to be the best for organic sound. some one may be able to chime in here.

 no chip is the best chip.  ;-)

check out AudioStream  ( Digital web site related to Stereophile) so much info on DAC's(digital in general)  and many many reviews.


https://www.audiostream.com/


+1 for the AudioNote DAC's they are fantastic..

rhljazz
1,253 posts
 
Why not a Hugo 2?
More to discover