$30K DAC in a $70K system - wise or ridiculous?

Bigkidz, DHT designs can sound excellent but are they necessarily any better then other designs is up to the product's ultimate design topology, parts selection and synergy.

We have the Manly 300b preamp which is a superb DHT 300b based preamp, the CJ ET 5 and GAT creamed that preamp, now the CJ pieces were double to four times the price, but the GAT was far superior.

As per the Niagra 7000 it was aweful in our reference system compared to the Audio Magic Oracle, on a direct comparision the magic of the system  went right out the window with the AQ, unit, and for your information we have tested most of the big power conditioners and the Audio Magic bested them all. Our other test units, Running Springs, Silver Circle, Audience, Isotek, in the past Synergistic and Shunyata.

As per the dac issue, personally it would be hard for us to recommend such an expensive dac no matter how stunning it sounds as Lampi does not have an upgrade path. 

For a lot less you can get an Aqua Formula which is a 100% modular and upgradable and it is also a NOS dac, but with some very cool features, FPGA, ability to play DSD and high res PCM. 

The new Formula with the revised anallog board is way better than the previous version which had a few sonic issues, the new Formula is really fantastic it may not be a melifourous as the DHT sounding Lampi but the Aqua line is known for musicallity,

Another possiblity trade in the amp, preamp, and get a Vinnie Rossi new DHT 300b hybrid amp/dac combo which has been wowing people at the recent CAP and New York Audio Show.

There are very few $30k ish dac's that we would recommend that unless the company offers 100% modular upgrade ability you will have spent a  lot on a future boat anchor.  

We don't sell MSB but their designs are modular, DCS not upgradable, Aqua 100% modular, these would be products we would look at.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ Aqua Hifi Dealers

@audiotroy - my comment wasn't specifically about the DHT DAC designs but that people are making comments who never heard one or probably another DAC in the price category to offer an opinion as to they would not pay that much.  I have heard several people who had DACs that offered upgrade paths.  While a nice option, that means nothing to me if the DAC to start off cannot complete with some of the better sounding DACs to begin with.  I have not heard the Aqua DACs in a few years and they sounded very nice but the higher end price points they were selling for then the DACs where not so special to my ears.

Happy Listening.

@audiotroy 

By "upgrade path" do you also mean software updates/grades, like PS Audio and (I think) Aqua.  

Would you consider dcs as having an upgrade path.  

If you are considering a Lampizator DAC I recommend you start with the Golden Gate 2.  The GG2 is crazy good and the ability to tube roll enables you to dial it in to your musical preferences. As @audioman58 indicated earlier the Final Touch Audio USB cable has great synergy with Lampizator DACs.
While Lampizator does not offer a modular upgrade program, they do offer upgrades to keep your DAC current.  I had my original Golden Gate upgraded with new clocks and power supply changes when they came out and then later had it upgraded to a GG2.  Eventually I traded the GG2 in and purchased a Pacific. Absolutely no regrets as I’ve moved up the model line. 
I personally don’t believe you need to worry about a GG2 or a Pacific becoming a “boat anchor”. If you are in the US I think Lampizator still provides service in the country so you don’t have to ship it back to Poland for upgrades.

I would probably go for the Focal Scala Utopia Evo and sell the Kanta and then get a somewhat cheaper dac, like $12k.