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Higher End DACs

I am looking for a DAC (potentially streamer&DAC) to be paired in a mcintosh system (c1100/611). Its my first foray into digital streaming and I have no need for a CD player.

I see a lot of love for Esoteric, however, most seems to be around their transports? Are they not as renowned for pure digital streaming and/or standalone DACs? I see DCS (for instance) often referenced for standalone DACs - how does Esoteric compare?
ufguy73
wassaicwill
62 posts
 
I'd like to put in a plug to audition the Krell Vanguard DAC. I have the older Connect going into the stock Vanguard Integrated and it's just beautiful. I sold my Benchmark DAC3. Huge upgrade. 
calvinj
2,487 posts
 
Resonessence Mirus Pro Signature Ess sabre chip inventors are the makers. I haven’t heard anything under 25k top it. It retails for 8k 
ufguy73 OP
51 posts
 
@thelostdutchman i wonder how substantial the incremental gains are across the dcs line - ie Bartok to Rossini to Vivaldi?
cvman
34 posts
 
ufguy73 raises and interesting question. How much difference rides on the FPGA program or DAC itself vs the quality of components (power supply, circuit design, etc) by manufacturer. PS Audio is a good example of continued refinement just based on software code. I personally think its still the combination of the sum parts of both system and components. 
cekiv
15 posts
 
The best DAC I've heard at AXPONA, rivaling vinyl, are by MSB.
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