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Proper DAC Upgrade for my modest system.

Looking for some advice from people with lots more experience then me

My local dealer has recommended the RME ADI-2 DAC, or the New NAD 658. Buying a DAC is "hard". But was looking for some veterans thoughts. The NAD I could replace the Yamaha Streamer and get some money back.

Anyone have an opinion of the Wadia 122 DAC? I got one on clearance so decided to pull the trigger, its 100% better then the Parasound zDac Gen 1 I was running, but making sure for around the $1200 ( My budget ) price point I am making the right buy.

System is WXC Streamer --> Wadia 122 DAC -->AVR/Pre-Amp - B&K 125.7 Bi amped to KEF R11’s via Rocket 44’s.

I use Tidal for all content - I don’t do anything other then stream Tidal and some Apple Music if certain songs / albums are not on Tidal. Some day I might progress into "higher res" but the cost of files seems a low ROI vs Tidal at the moment.

Appreciate everyone’s insight on this topic.
128x128crock442
crock442's avatar
crock442 OP
19 posts
 
I have the RME ADI-2 DAC and it really is a fantastic unit. I tested it against some DAC's at twice and 3X the price and the RME beat them all. Price and feature set is unbeatable. Plus there are features on this DAC you won't find in most DAC's. Don't know of any DAC's in the 1K category that have a 5 band Parametric EQ and a dual EQ function
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I have heard good things, the AKM chips seem to be more "Relaxed" then some of the ESS Chips, I might go demo the one my local dealer has against the Wadia in the system now. 

What did you test it against? And what is your amp/speaker setup if you don't mind me asking.
luxmancl38
580 posts
 
The Chord Qutest and the $2500 Chord Hugo. Compared them in the store and took them home to demo on my system. Who's your dealer?
mzkmxcv
777 posts
 
AKM chips seem to be more "Relaxed" then some of the ESS Chips


No, they are very similar in terms of native performance. However, maybe these reviews were in regards to specific products using such chips.

As for the Wadia, looks pretty good, the dynamic range spec is pretty poor for the price though ($100 DACs are >110dB), but I doubt it’s an audible difference, seeing as how even 96dB is better than most rooms allow.
crock442's avatar
crock442 OP
19 posts
 
I use Audio Therapy in NH, also stop by BB Magnolia once in awhile as they are a design center.
luxmancl38
580 posts
 
I thought so. That's where I go. Ask John if you can borrow the RME he usually has a demo unit available. . I have my RME w/a Bluesound node into a Luxman CL38U-SE tube preamp. Aerial 5T speakers and a Bryston 2.5 SST2 amp. I've dealt w/John for over 20 years.
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