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Best DAC

Hey community,

Current system:
ARC SP-6
Threshold S500
Magneplanar 1.6

I love the tube sound of the SP-6, and think it pairs great with the power/clarity of the S500 and 1.6 speakers.  Currently using the DACMagic to play audio from my computer, and I believe it may be the limiting factor in my system.  What DACs would be a significant upgrade?  What’s the best at the moment?

I’m comfortable spending up to $2-3k for a significant improvement.  Let me know if higher/lower priced DACs would be more suitable.

I appreciate your insight.
mr_sacrimoni
rodge827's avatar
rodge827
620 posts
 
The Audio Note Kits 2.1 signature Dac is a very good nos dac. ANK will sell as a kit or you can have one of their recommended builders do it for you. The total should keep you in your budget range.


https://ankaudiokits.com/product/dac-2-1-signature/

luisma31
516 posts
 
It depends on your budget but for pure delta sigma dac go with (as someone recommended) rme adi-2 (be sure is the Rev 2),if you can stretch some more holo audio spring 2 is an excellent R2R ladder dac
luisma31
516 posts
 
After that you have Holo May and Denafrips Terminator
unsound
7,329 posts
 
A few thoughts: if you have the space; you might consider using  some of the funds towards bigger maggies. Also, when was the Threshold S500 last recapped? Depending on the DAC you choose; you might find the SP6 superfluous.
soix
9,642 posts
 
Definitely time for a DAC upgrade.  An Audio Mirror Tubadour Mklll SE would be a big upgrade across the board, and they offer a trial period so you can try it in your system (which is obviously huge).  Same for MHDT Pagoda if you run balanced.  Agree with others to use some form of a noise reduction device if you continue using your computer as a source.  Best of luck in your search. 
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