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Used DACs in the 10k range

I currently have a denafrips terminator and I definitely enjoy it in my system but I haven't compared many dacs (only other dac I heard in my system was the one in the HDV 820 when I was using my headphones). I was impressed with the rave reviews and bought it straight up but now I am wondering if its worth upgrading or not.
I am looking to spend around 10k ish for a used DAC that would be significantly  better than the Terminator.

Any suggestions?
Also any thoughts on the terminator itself. It has lots of positive reviews from outlets like audiobacon and darko, 6 mooons etc but it has very harsh criticism from places like SBAF. Would appreciate your thoughts.
My system: PC -> Roon -> Sotm sms 200 ultra (with sps500) -> audio sensibility signature usb cable -> sotm dx usb -> ss d110 aes cable -> terminator -> kimber cables xlr -> He9 -> yyw hifi xlr -> 4bsst dual bryston monoblocks -> qed xt 40 speaker cables -> paradigm signature s8 v2 + dual PSA V1800s [v1800s via svs soundpath rcas]
smodtactical
bmontani
192 posts
 
CK out the PS Audio Direct Stream DAC.  It is really a pretty amazing kit. It has a field gate array that can be programmed with updates.  I think you can do a 30 day trial.
rmasoni
15 posts
 
Stahl-tek Opus Prime - a $40K DAC made in the US that's way better than ANYTHING mentioned above . . . buy it in mint condition for less than $8k
gman74's avatar
gman74
33 posts
 
Chord Dave along with the upscaler 
lukaske
307 posts
 
Aqvox USB 2 D/A MKII upgrade ( Germany). One of the best. About 1500€
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,763 posts
 
Op we wouldn’t recommend any digital change at this juncture, if you are contemplating a speaker change, or other equipment is in flux.

We look at the digital front end as the final flavor in a system.

Our approach is to select speakers first, as they will determine the rest of the components required. Cetain speakers will need greater power, some less, some speakers sound better on tubes other solid state.

So figure out your destination spekers, then audition electronics designed to make the speakers come alive, and then finally find the digital stage that harmonizes with the rest of the system.

As per your question Focal vs Persona 9h. The Focals are the easier of the two to make sound good, the 9H are more transparent and image with greater specificity they do require components which can add a bit of warmth to the mix, when you get them right the 9H are just remarkable in so many ways.


Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ


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