for under 1K, would go with the Denafrips Ares II. Have not heard all dacs, but its the best I have heard for under a kilobuck. and will do both USB and SPDIFF inputs.
Options for $1k or less DAC?
Hi Everyone,
My current setup:
Spotify Connect -> HiFi Berry Dac w/ hifiberryOS -> Bottlehead Crack w/ speedball -> Sennheiser 6xx
I'd like to replace the hifiberry with a better DAC and switch over to Amazon Music HD to get increased quality of 24/192. I recently purchased a S.M.S.L Sanskrit 10th MK II was was *floored* by the difference in sound between the 2 setups.
My expectation is that the differences are mostly related to DAC with Spotify already streaming at 320bps. The differences that show up between streaming services / quality is likely minimal.
My requirements are minimal to start with:
USB input
Analog Out
Nice to have: Filters, more than 1 output.
So, where do I go from the Sanskrit?
My current setup:
Spotify Connect -> HiFi Berry Dac w/ hifiberryOS -> Bottlehead Crack w/ speedball -> Sennheiser 6xx
I'd like to replace the hifiberry with a better DAC and switch over to Amazon Music HD to get increased quality of 24/192. I recently purchased a S.M.S.L Sanskrit 10th MK II was was *floored* by the difference in sound between the 2 setups.
My expectation is that the differences are mostly related to DAC with Spotify already streaming at 320bps. The differences that show up between streaming services / quality is likely minimal.
My requirements are minimal to start with:
USB input
Analog Out
Nice to have: Filters, more than 1 output.
So, where do I go from the Sanskrit?
- ...
- 22 posts total
Good suggestions so far, if you wanna pursue a tube DAC, https://www.lineartubeaudio.com/products/mhdt-labs-dacs “The differences that show up between streaming services / quality is likely minimal.” That’s not my experience. With a good DAC, you should be able to discern differences in SQ. Sign up for Qobuz trial and let your ears guide you. |
Thanks for the suggestions so far everyone. Piggybacking off of the USA DAC thread -- schiit bi-frost is getting alot of recommendations. I've also been looking at the BorderPatrol SE and Mytak Brooklyn Bridge (both used would come in just below $1k). Being new to DACs should I expect the same difference of say a $100 phono pre and a $1k phono pre? Big difference to be sure. Not sure if it's the same in the digital world. I'll give Qobuz a try eventually. Amazon's "Ultra HD" will top out at 24/192, but my guess is Qobuz has them beat in terms of content though. Everything else is on Amazon 16/44.1. Heh... plus, if I make the switch the kids can't steal the streaming connection! |
- 22 posts total