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Need DAC Ideas

Some of you have heard many different DACs and can help me
put together the best possible line up of DACs from $1.8 to $3.9k.

In order for the comparison to be of maximum value I need to hear
only from those who have had some direct comparison experience.

There are probably 30 companies offering a product in this range. 
I am looking for musicality and value as opposed to say the last word
in accuracy.

Some Possibles:

1. Line Magnetic  $2.2
2. Audio Mirror Tubadour 3 $1.9 
3. Denafrips Pontus $1.8
4. Holo Audio  Spring 3 $2.8
5. Doge 7 $2.3
6. Wired for Sound 2V2  $2.5.
7. Audio Note (kit) 4.1X $3.8
8. Lampizator Amber $3.5 
9. Schiit Yggy $2.5

Once the top 8-10 are identified and gathered there will be an
opportunity for anyone interested to sit in on the comparison. 

Please respond with your brand experience.
JJSS in particular.

Thank you


chorus
soix
9,476 posts
 
I think the Denafrips Venus also falls within your price range. 
chorus OP
976 posts
 
Fuuztone, Grinnell and Soix, 
Thanks for the suggestions. 
$1.8 is the low end of my list.
So if you have something that
should be considered below that
number please pass it along.

I am not limiting these considerations to what may
work best in only my system. The DACs selected
will be heard by anyone curious in what is the best
out there in this price range.


jjss- Please give me the names/models of the others
you found to be superior and which you were comparing them 
to.

Thanks again for everyone's help!
ejr1953
915 posts
 
I've enjoyed a PS Audio DirectStream DAC since they first came out and highly recommend it.

One unique thing about this DAC is that it's performance has been improved with firmware updates 1-2 times per year.

I suspect that you'll be able to find listings on Audiogon for sale for a reasonable price.
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@chorus

jjss- Please give me the names/models of the others
you found to be superior and which you were comparing them
to.


search bar is your friend... i have posted plenty of info through the past year on dacs i have tried, own, sold...

good luck have fun
stuartk
2,825 posts
 
If you are looking for musicality first and foremost, I'd suggest a used Aqua La Voce. The La Voce III is now close to $5000. I paid about $ 3750 for my La Voce II.  At one point, John Darko placed Aqua DACs atop  several of the higher tiers in his DAC index. Unfortunately, the index is only available to paid suscribers, now. I recall his evaluation of the Schiit Gungnir was was very favorable in terms of musicality, as well. Aqua is made in Italy and of course, Schiit is made in California. 
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