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Advice on a budget R2R DAC

Last year I had to change my computer and since my new Imac did not have a firewire output, I had to change my DAC as well. After reading quite a bit on the topic, I decided on a Benchmark DAC 1, thinking that it made sense to replace a studio converter with another device designed for this same application. The Benchmark plays better than my old one (Motus 828), but when I listen to my turntable (which is rare), I immediately see the difference, even with an inexpensive cartridge (Ortofon OM20). My Altec 620A are quite revealing in the midrange and, contrary to what I’ve read on several occasions, the Benchmark is NOT transparent, at least not in my system. It’s also NOT musical. It sounds like a laboratory instrument. The sound is so amorphous that it doesn’t elicit any emotion. It is reminiscent of the sound of some Japanese amps from the 1970s which made excessive use of feedback to lower distorsion level. The sound isn’t bad, it’s just boring. So I decided to change my converter once again. After reading a lot on Audiogon and updating myself on what’s new, I’m keen to give R2R a try.

Here are my criteria:

- 1,5k (used)
- No tube (my equipment is always on)
- R2R
- no need for DSD (I listen to wav, aiff, mp3, etc.)
- no need for balanced inputs
- no need for volume (or headphone amp)

Converters that I consider :

- Holo Audio Cyan
- Metrum Amethyst
- Mojo Audio Mystique V2

Equipment used:

Speakers: Altec 620A
Amp: Sugden A25B
Cables: Audioquest
Computer: Imac 2017
Media player: JRiver 22
thx...
alaindexe
alaindexe's avatar
alaindexe OP
75 posts
 
auxinput : you're right... quite a lot... but some people,didn't take the time to read my criteria and their proposition is irrelevant (I ask for r2r), other propose tube dac although I specified I didn't want tubes... I also realise that I've hurt feelings criticizing some dac... but hey I just try to express what I'm looking for (and NOT looking for) ... as for the Audio GD, the R2R7 was on my list, but too expensive... I'll check the R-28 for sure... thx...

BTW, my budget is 1,5k Canadian $ (about 1,2k US$)
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@alaindexe

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649678453-nos-r2r-dacs-x3-metrum-and-mhdt/

nos r2r, no tubes, meets your spec

... have this and 3-4 years of paid-for streaming within your stated budget !!  😇
decooney
2,321 posts
 
@alaindexe 

With your restated budget of $1.2k, you have a good chance of securing a nice unit.  If you'd consider something like @jjss49 suggested, Metrum Acc, or others used (second hand) for less than half the cost, you could wind up with a really nice DAC that way too.  If you buy it right 2nd hand and don't like it, the really good units can be easier to resale later if you want to upgrade again for some reason.      

Not required, but one reason some are also suggesting a "tube" DAC is you can further fine tune the sound if you want to make it ever smoother or more laid back -or- more detailed, transparent, or more forward sounding - with the change of a low cost tube. There are several other "DAC" threads on Agon to study as well.  As you are, It's worth hunting the right DAC for yourself and your particular system.  A good DAC can help you to further appreciate your Sugden amp and Altec speakers even more.  Good Luck.   
alaindexe's avatar
alaindexe OP
75 posts
 
Here’s my final contenders list, in no particular order :

- Metrum : Menuet or Onyx, although the later will probably break my budget;
- Holo Audio Spring;
- Mojo Audio Mystique V2 (those are very rare in Canada, so I probably won’t be able to get one);
- Soekris dac 1421 (same comment as for the Mojo Audio);
- Denafrips Ares II (these sell like hot cakes... one was put on sale last night and was sold this morning!)

@decooney : yes, I hope I’ll end up with something that suit my taste... as for the tube, I never shut my system so that would be a waste...
@jjss49 : I have a hard time believing that the Octave can compete the others here, but I could be wrong... since I don’t use a streaming service, I rather put that money where it counts... ;)




jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
op
@jjss49 : I have a hard time believing that the Octave can compete the others here, but I could be wrong... since I don’t use a streaming service, I rather put that money where it counts... ;)


haha

it does and then some... i sold the dena ares 2, kept the octave, the metrum produces highs more naturally to my ears and has a more textured midrange (into hegel h390 driving proac response d30r) - that lil octave put cees j and metrum on the map... the transient modules are no joke.

but of course, ymmv... hope you find something you like...


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