To DAC or not to DAC ?

@cheeg I sold the Gustard X26 Pro last week. I really liked it but wanted to try the Musetec 005 which I ordered yesterday (on sale).  The only thing the Gustard lacked was uber levels of detail as my Topping D90SE and Benchamrk DAC3B.  Not eveyone likes the level of detail that I like.

I agree that it sounds like a good idea to change both dac and pre-amp. If you want one integrated unit or two separates are up to you. I did take a look in the latest TAS, issue 321, since it has a buyer's guide. There are a lot fewer on-box solutions than dacs or pre-amps, you will have less to choose from but maybe get a more cost effective solution.

They did list NAD C658 and Nuprime DAC-10H as combos. The latter may be more of a dac with volume, I don't know if it has any analog inputs or if you require any.

11-12-2021 5:41pm

You will wet yourself when you buy a real DAC.

$790 will buy the Denafrips Ares 2. 

Best thing about buying this one is that if you

decide against it, 2 hours on Agon and it will

resold for exactly what you paid.

Get back to us when your shorts dry!!!

Anyone who would pey the new price for something used probably shouldn't be allowed to live alone.

@headphonedreams

+1 The Absolute Sound and Stereophile Recommended Components issue.

A two box solutions allow greater flexibility to upgrade one aspect... save up for next upgrade... etc. you might save a few dollars with a single box solution... but long-term is unlikely to be as cost effective unless this is your only upgrade.

I AM BLOWN AWAY ON HOW MANY GREAT RESPONSES I'VE RECEIVED. WHAT A GREAT WAY TO FIND OUT INFO ON PRODUCTS AND DIRECTIONS TO PROCEED WITH ! I THINK I'M LEANING MORE TO UPGRADING MY PRE AMP AND GO FROM THERE. ONCE THATS DONE, NOT SURE IF SHOULD GO WITH A STREAMER DAC COMBO THAT IS IN LINE WITH THE REST OF MY SYSTEM OR A SEPERATE DAC AND STAY WITH THE VAULT. HMMMMMM ?

THANK YOU ALL !!!