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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
gdhal's avatar
gdhal
1,641 posts
 
@nitewulf 

I've only read positive things about the metrum pavane 3. No doubt  you've made a great choice. And I too prefer the sound of multi-bit ladder in comparison to delta-sigma.

I haven't checked extensively, but isn't the metrum pavane 3 DAC more expensive (new) than $3500?
nitewulf
425 posts
 
I am sorry, I should have been a bit more clear in my post. I am talking about the new DAC from Metrum, called Onyx.  It's made with the same DAC2 modules as the Pavane 3, but instead of 4 modules per channel, it has 2 modules per channel.  And according to pretty much everyone who heard both, they are extremely close in performance.  The Onyx is priced around $2500.

http://www.the-ear.net/review-hardware/metrum-acoustics-onyx-and-jade-digital-analogue-converter
joncourage
185 posts
 
I'll second "Audio Note NOS DAC, no analogue filtering, tube output stage."

Most organic, natural-sounding/musical digital music I've ever heard.
gawdbless's avatar
gawdbless
1,235 posts
 
With all due respects Wig, why did you not start your own topic? Its getting confusing having an original OP, and one pseudo op. ^smiley face^
1graber2's avatar
1graber2
303 posts
 
Berkely Alpha DAC? v1 or 2
Bel Canto 3.5/3.7 DAC with Virtually Battery Supply PSU
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