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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
wharfy's avatar
wharfy
337 posts
 
Jozurr-
I am a month into enjoying a Holo Spring level 3 DAC. In my system (Audio Research, Aurender and ProAc) this DAC has great 3D soundstage and detail without sounding overly bright and analytical. It has NOS and 3 oversampling features. Price-wise, it is well within your budget.

https://www.audiostream.com/content/holo-audio-spring-dac-level-3-kitsune-tuned-edition
verafiaudio
746 posts
 
I really love the Audio Alchemy DDP-1

Amazing performance for the price 

Thanks

Mark 

charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Jozurr,
Reports and owner feedback say that the Border Patrol DAC is exceptionally good sounding. As has been mentioned above used Audio Note DACs are highly regarded if you aren't bothered by tubes.
Charles
rotaryphone
159 posts
 
Bryston BDA-3.
rbstehno
1,472 posts
 
Hands down either the ps audio directstream with bridge II or the directstream jr. these compete with dacs many times the price. I have 1, the bridge puts the dac in another league 
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