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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
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wig's avatar
wig
1,212 posts
 
In negotiations for an AN 2.1, my beloved 7 day old BP Dac will be going up for sale. What a fantastic sounding Dac and it's going to make someone here very happy at a reduced price.

Wig
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,238 posts
 
Hi Wig,
Another excellent choice but what makes you sure that you’ll prefer it compared to the BP (which you describe as fantastic) ? I’m not saying you wouldn’t but how do you know?
Charles
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hk_fan
420 posts
 
Having just gone through this, I ended up with an Ayre qb-9 DSD.  I know I can sell this and not lose any money should it not live up to my expectations.  

I looked at the Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ but didn't want to deal with some of the support issues I've recently read about.  I'm intrigued by MQA but it's not a deal breaker.

I also considered the Chord Hugo TT but my local dealer (who interestingly enough is also the Mytek dealer) wasn't very accommodating and I didn't feel it was worth 2x the cost of what I paid for the qb-9.

My experiences with the Ayre gear is quite different than the OP's but that is irrelevant.  We hear what we hear.


david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@wig  What happened??? One of the quickest turnarounds in DAC land....
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