Berkely Alpha DAC? v1 or 2
Bel Canto 3.5/3.7 DAC with Virtually Battery Supply PSU
Bel Canto 3.5/3.7 DAC with Virtually Battery Supply PSU
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!
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!
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- 138 posts total
For something more unusual you could try the Swedish DA909 from Harmony Design. I have an early version of the smaller dac and really liked it. The new version is about $2000 and made with modules that makes it possible to upgrade later. http://www.harmonydesignus.com/ I couldn't find the product page in English but the Swedish page is here. You'll have to use Google translate or similar. http://www.harmonydesign.se/index.php?sid=62&katID=4&prodID=25 |
I wanted to try the Venus, but typically people tend to either buy the Pontus or the Terminator. The large capacitor counts (possibility of failure), as well as lack of reviews kinda stopped me. I know there's a very rabid Italian following but I was looking for more consensus. I'll stand by and say the new Metrum Onyx/Jade are the best DACs within this bracket based on what I heard/tried. |
Forward I am looking for a Dac + Transport under 3500 used that has a very forward soundstage ( instruments are in front of the speaker, not even like sitting in the first row but being on the stage) volume control + remote and xlr needed. Bright but full bodied fast detailed sound. will the Metrum onyx fit? other alternatives: resonessence mirus benchmark dac 3 soekris 1541 |
- 138 posts total