I had a Moodlab "Concept" dac years ago. As far as I know this used a simple R2R dac, and it had no oversampling and no output filter. I bought it out of curiosity, to see just how bad it would sound. I thought it sounded fine. Nothing special, nothing that particularly stood out to me compared to my CD player or DVD player. I thought I perceived some slight difference with it being ever so slightly brighter and lighter sounding, but couldn't say that for sure, and definitely couldn't say if it was better or worse.
R2R Ladder DACs or All in One Streamer Solutions
I am soon to own a Pass INT 25 integrated amp. I also own an Oppo 205.
I am now searching for a separate DAC to replace/improve the DAC in the Oppo.
Budget $2k. Used preferred.
I like the R2R ladder sound and want a tube inside for a little balance with the Solid State gear.
My current source is the Oppo 205.
I am also shopping for a Streamer/Ripper/Storage device. Roon friendly and DSD capable.
Budget also $2k. Used Preferred.
It seems that the few offerings of these all in one solutions all contain a DAC.
My thought is that the DAC included will not be any better than the Oppo so it is of little use.
Has anyone been down this road lately?
Am I missing something?
Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences!
I am now searching for a separate DAC to replace/improve the DAC in the Oppo.
Budget $2k. Used preferred.
I like the R2R ladder sound and want a tube inside for a little balance with the Solid State gear.
My current source is the Oppo 205.
I am also shopping for a Streamer/Ripper/Storage device. Roon friendly and DSD capable.
Budget also $2k. Used Preferred.
It seems that the few offerings of these all in one solutions all contain a DAC.
My thought is that the DAC included will not be any better than the Oppo so it is of little use.
Has anyone been down this road lately?
Am I missing something?
Thanks in advance for sharing your experiences!
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- 50 posts total
i'll toss out one that no one will think of. Schiit Audio upper end DAC's are multi bit (r2r) the Gungnir Multi bit dac is $1299 i have one and am quite pleased. They have a really good deal on the
YGGDRASIL GS $1599 the normal version is $2499 so that could be a smoking deal for the sound you get. https://www.schiit.com/products/yggdrasil-gs |
+1 on MHDT Labs Orchid. Love NOS & love that DAC. In fact, it makes me curious what the other MHDT models sound like. BTW, Linear Tube Audio, the U.S. distributor for MHDT Labs, was kind enough to add a 2nd RCA output pair on the back of my unit (reasonable cost). I find it incredibly helpful to have dual DAC outputs in my complicated desktop system. This is another reason I like my Orchid. |
I have been down this road when I had to replace my hybrid amp. I bought a Schitt headphone amp/tube buffer. It was too much going directly into the new amp but worked well in my phone stage. I bought an RME ADI-2 and was able to just slightly tone down the treble and got what what I wanted. Tubes are great but tricky and each tube family has a sound. |
- 50 posts total