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Recommendation for DAC needed.

I’m looking to replace my Schiit Gumby DAC.  Price range: $2000-3000.
Right now considering Ayre Codex.
Need it for my CD transport as a well as compacity for hi res streaming.
 I don’t need headphone capability.
Any high quality unit recommendations would be appreciated.
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mzkmxcv
777 posts
 
@rvpiano 
 
Not sure about the Qutest, but even the Chord Hugo 2 doesn’t touch the Benchmark or even SMSL SU-8. The Auralic Vega and Altair also don’t perform better than the Benchmark (similar to SMSL SU-8).
celander's avatar
celander
1,503 posts
 
Why spend $2,000-$3,000 (or more) when $250 might give one something magical?

http://en.tpdz.net/products_detail/productId=37.html

https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/review-and-measurements-of-topping-d50-da...

Just an acknowledgement to @mzkmxcv for this tip. 
mzkmxcv
777 posts
 
@celander  
 
The Topping D50 is indeed excellent for the money. The ~$1700 Benchmark DAC 3B is still better (the ESS hump may be audible, not sure on audibility thresholds), so if he has $3K to burn, then <$2K for the DAC3 B is still saving >$1K.
menosavy
20 posts
 
I recently replaced a yggdrasil with a Lampizator Amber II. Very close to the aqua you like in sound yet in your price range.  Upgrade to tube rectification and add super clocks, and you just might find it will perform well above it's price point.


Happy hunting
celander's avatar
celander
1,503 posts
 
@mzkmxcv 

The ESS hump in the IMD vs dBFS plot of the D50? I presumed running it at 0.00 dBFS would remedy that concern.

No doubt, however, the DAC3B is a great unit for the $$. 
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