@dsper I also wouldn't paint every ESS dac with that same brush the Matrix X-Sabre Pro I tried has a top of the line ESS chip and wasn't bright or fatiguing at all. Very smooth actually.
DAC Choices - $5,000 to $7,000
What are the current top DAC choices in the approximately $5-$7K price range (new or used) that I should look at as possible upgrades to my current Metrum Adagio?
Having an on-board volume control is not a factor as I can operate my system either way. If I wanted to spend more I would look at Totaldac, Rockna Wavedream Signature, or one of the other top-end contenders, but I selected the price range to achieve a sound quality that is consistent with the rest of my system and because I don't want to spend more due to the still evolving nature of digital technology. I do like the more natural sound
(to my ears)
of NOS R2R DACs. So far, I have considered the three below, but none seem to be a slam-dunk upgrade from the Adagio, which still sounds pretty good in my system. The decision is complicated by having to "buy to try" so that I can hear one in my system. Maybe now is not the time for an upgrade. Any thoughts?
- Denafrips Terminator w/DSP board - Reportedly has the full body/dense tone type of sound I like, but also has a high'ish output impedance
- Holo May KTE - Reportedly measures great for an R2R DAC and has strong reviews
- Rockna Wavelight - Some reviewers like it but others put it in the middle of the pack for the price
- ...
- 231 posts total
@mitch2 I was planning on buying the AudioByte VOX | ZAP | HUB for $6K but my new Krell integrated has a built-in DAC (no choice for me). So I am not going to get the AudioByte in the near term. You should check it out. I was also considering the Holo May, T2+, and the Wavelight but the AudioByte stack just impressed the heck out of me with the tech inside it. You can also use the AudioByte firmware to tailor the sound. Currently there is only 1 flavor of the firmware, 2 more are planned and each will have a different sonic signature. Same guys as Rockna. |
mahgister wrote Sound in an abstract way is equally wave or bits, but in a concrete room sound is mostly only specific space and waves for specific ears, not bits.... You are certainly correct about that! I have installed bass traps in the front wall corners and acoustic panels along the walls to tame treble reflections. When I am seriously listening, I cover the big screen TV with a blanket. I have not spent the time to understand and analyze noise in the electric line and what are the typical ways to address this. Another area I want to understand better is the relationship between the DAC output impedance relative to the preamp input impedance, and how much of that can you hear... While the Theta DAC is better in terms of mids, highs and soundstage depth than my old Hegel HD25 DAC; the Hegel mid bass was better. That sort of indicates to me that I should continue to experiment with DACs. I also want to experiment with balanced outputs to the preamp from the Theta, which I believe is fully balanced. I have read taking advantage of that will improve the sound. As I reread this thread, the Mojo Audio Mystique V3 DAC looks interesting. Just so many good reviews and I appreciate the design philosophy. Right now they have a refurbished V3 balanced for $4K with two year warranty. The only problem with balanced is the need to change from my CJ 17LS2 preamp, which is single ended only, and why I am contemplating a Don Sachs preamp. Don and I have been trading emails and he assures me that his preamp will seem like a veil has been lifted from my speakers compared the CJ. He seems like a straight forward person who shares what he believes and is willing to challenge his customers. Thanks for listening! Dsper . |
@dsper Unless you want your dac quest into having to rebuild your entire system, maybe best to stick to choices that will work well with your existing components that you already own and like. Also every dealer and manufacture will claim their product is superior, I wouldn't take that at face value without getting independent references from those who have made a direct comparison between two products. Even then everyone's system, ears and preferences are different, there is no substitute for hearing it in your own room. |
- 231 posts total