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Searching for a dac that matches the Marantz

I’m trying to phase out my Marantz ND8006 but I love the way it sounds (just not the way it looks). So I’m looking for a DAC that has the same character as the Marantz. I believe it has a ESS9016, but I guess that doesn’t mean a lot because of implementation is done by Marantz.  I’ve tried the Audiolab MDac+ That comes pretty close (I just don’t like the form factor)! It also uses Sabre Dac so could it be that that’s just the signature I’m looking for?
sjeesjie
sfseay's avatar
sfseay
496 posts
 
The ND8006 isn’t known for having a high quality DAC implementation. Having said that I think the RME ADI-2 FS DAC might give you what you are looking for and a much better sound too vs. what you have now.
sjeesjie OP
51 posts
 
Well I find the DAC implementation of the nd8006 very impressive and I haven’t heard otherwise anywhere. But still, it’s filters are more to the mellow side than to the analytical side. The RME is slightly more analytical than neutral, no? So that alone would not be what I’m looking for.
motokokusanagi
189 posts
 
The new Denafrips Ares 2 and Sonnet Morpheus might be up your alley. Pure DACs not streamers, however.
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