Which R2R DAC UP TO 1K: ORGANIC, FULL-BODIED, DEEP SOUNDSTAGE


Hi all and hello George,

I`m new to Audiogon and as I have seen from earlier discussions some of you seem to be THE absolute R2R enthusiasts for many years. May I ask you for some help regarding this topic as I`m out for a new dac which should be R2R?

I`m coming from a Lector CDP 707, which is sold now as I got over to streaming, but I bloody regret it. The Lector had all I ever wanted, tonally he played on the warm, full-bodied side, organically with a lot of flesh to the bone and authority/slam and I loved the expansive soundstage, not overly wide but very deep. Bass was punchy enough even for EDM which I listen to mainly.

For the moment I`m using my former headamp as a DAC, the Questyle CMA 600i, with a DS chip on board, AKM 4490. I wouldn`t call it a catastrophe, but of course the signature is lightyears away from the Lector.

When looking for a new DAC I saw that Lector Strumenti offers some too, but I`m afraid my budget is too small with up to 1K, so this is not an option.

In respect of the Lector using the PCM 1704K I thought about (ab)using some vintage gear, for examle the Denon DVD 5000 with 4xPCM 1704J on board too (the Denon has a digital input and could be used as a stand alone DAC too), but I was told the analog stage is crappy and so I got away from this.

Still on my mind is the old Naim DAC and the Bifrost 2 or a used HoloSpring but for the moment I got no possibilitys to test them in my system (I`m using a tube packed preamp and as a headamp the Emotiva BasX 100 with the jumpers set as my "heddphone" requires some juice) and sure I`m open to any other ideas.

So, what would be your favourite devices when looking at my desired sound and knowing what (tiny amount) I got to spend?


It should be able to handle 24/96 btw, but my main concern would be an extremely deep and wide soundstage and a darker organic tonality.

Would be really glad for some help and input.

Best regards
Michael


barrista0611
Metrum isn't bad. I've had six over the years.
They're not bad to hold you over until...
Keep your radar on for a used Yamamoto YDA 01. If you can ever find one, jump on it ASAP.
EASILY more natural, wide, deep and just plain real sounding than any of the Metrums I've had ,(Hex, Onyx, Musette, etc), and the three MHDTs one had... Including the highly regarded Orchid.
@devilboy 
i am also looking for a DAC and come across this thread.  I am considering the following:
Audio GD R8
SMSL m400
Musical Paradis MP-d2 MK IIIDenafrips Pontus

I am looking for a smooth DAC.  Tried Toppings DX7pro and don’t like it, it has too much detail and analytical, and sometimes harsh in my opinion.
About the Yamamoto YDA01, I seems it is quite old, right?  So, it is still good compared to the latest technology?  Any opinion or guess how it will compared to my short list?

I really like Yamamoto brand for some reason.  I have been thinking to buy the A08s, but still haven’t bought one because of the 2W.  So, it is good to hear their YFA01 is good.  But it seems it is very rare in the used market.
@gte357s 
@mitch2 

Yes, the Yamamoto uses the older and now out of production, (I believe), 1794 chip but hey, natural is natural.  If you can't find one, consider an MHDT Orchid.

I have not heard an Adagio or Pavane so I can't comment on them. 

Cee's new company looks interesting, though. Sonnet Morpheus, I think. DAC with volume control.
Devilboy, I asked because I have owned Hex and Pavane L3 and still own Jade and Adagio (both which have VC), and while the Hex and Jade sound good, the Pavane L3 and Adagio were/are clearly a step up in naturalness and full-bodied tone.  The Yamamoto has a good reputation from owners and others who have heard it.  I previously owned Lector CDPs, and the newer model (at the time) used the TI PCM1704 chip which, while nice, did not match the naturalness of the TI PCM63 chip used in the older model.  The guy who purchased the older unit with the 63 chip told me I would regret selling it.