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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.
128x128rvpiano
markalarsen's avatar
markalarsen
638 posts
 
Make certain your new DAC has an Ethernet input and can decode MQA. 
maritime51's avatar
maritime51
1,288 posts
 
Agreed. 
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,653 posts
 
Based on my needs, and the price, if I do decide to pull the trigger, I will give the Benchmark DAC 3B a tryout.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano OP
2,653 posts
 
Music Direct offers a 60 day return option.
rbstehno
1,412 posts
 
IMO, if you don’t get a fpga based dac or it doesn’t have a network card built in, you are wasting your money. Either the ps audio DS or DS jr dac will blow away the benchmark or the Ayre. Compare the functions of each dac. If you want a cold sounding dac, go with the benchmark.
Each time I get a free upgrade for my ps audio DS dac, performance increases. Over a year ago, ps audio updated their software to add MQA support, for free. Show me another dac that has a class A+ rating like the DS and you get a free bump in performance every 6 months. If you compared the DS with redcloud software, do the comparison again with the latest  snowmass upgrade. Also you get a network card in each of the dacs that allow you to get rid of the inferior usb connections that most people have to use
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