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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
andyz
39 posts
 
(Not the OP but thought I would chime in)
I use my AN 3.1 balanced for master quality Tidal and it sounds much better than any of the red book cds I play. With this DAC, supposedly everything gets squashed down to 16/44.1, but it will still play 24/88.2 DSD out from my Oppo. I am not sure why that is. 
calvinj
2,404 posts
 
I know u said no Sabre DACs but the only people that do them right is resonesssenc Mirus pro.  His brother is the inventor of the Sabre dac chip. They invented it they use it the best.  
lancelock
1,094 posts
 
My Modwright Oppo Sonica sounds wonderful.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
wasquatch
8 posts
 
I was like you and sick of Sabre DACs. Give the Metrum DACs a shot. I've owned probably 20 DACs in the last 3 years and the Metrum Pavane and Metrum Onyx (what I have now) are by far my favorite. Musical and resolving with loads of tonal textures. They're NOS R2R DACs done right.
rja's avatar
rja
2,371 posts
 
Anyone heard the Soekris?
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