Different R2R DACs


Several months ago, I bought a used Hono Spring Level 2 DAC to see how R2R would compare against my Mytek Brooklyn DAC+. I like the Brooklyn+ a lot, but, given the other components in my system, I'm thinking about building in a bit more warmth (without losing significant detail). I'm not looking for sweetness or holography. Unfortunately, I was thoroughly unimpressed by the way the Holo Spring Level 2 smeared the music. I returned it within two weeks. Perhaps the unit I bought was defective (though I bought it from a highly reputable seller of used equipment), but it started me wondering how much of the hype surrounding the newer generation of R2R DACs was just that, hype. However, I keep seeing so many glowing reviews of reasonably priced R2R DACS from Denafrips, Aqua, Lampizator and others. So I'm wondering whether I should give them another try. Unfortunately, where I live the only real (suboptimal) option is to audition by purchasing one DAC at a time. Before I start down that road again, I thought I would ask the collective brain of Audiogon about how much of a difference I might expect, as against the Holo Spring level 2, from a new Denafrips Pontus II or used Terminator II, a used Aqua La Voce or Lampizator, or some other R2R DAC under $5K. I don't require require resolutions greater than 24/192 (beyond which I discern no difference). I do like the option of MQA decoding, but it's not a deal breaker. 

The rest of my system (source components aside), at present, include a Parasound JC2 BP preamp, a pair of VTV Purifi mono amps, and Harbeth C7ES-3 speakers.

audio-satisficer

My sources are a Zotac fanless pc set up as a Roon server and a Cambridge CXC transport.

Though R2R DACs represent the current flavor of the month, it may just be that they’re not your cup of tea. I know that they’re not mine. I personally value clarity and detail and look elsewhere to dial in a preferred sound--though I personally try to keep it as neutral as I can. Enough neutrality so that the warmth comes from the software.

My humble suggestion is that the DAC (or other source components) should not be the place to build in a bit more warmth.

Have you thought about a tube preamplifier? Or a speaker that gives you what you are looking for? Or a really good linear power supply for your Brooklyn Bridge, for that matter?

Thanks Melm. I have an LPS for my DAC. I've had a tube pre in the past, a Schiit Freya+, but it added to much distortion for my taste. It could be that I prefer a really clean sound. 

I never buy by technology. It is always in the implementation. I read only reviews of how equipments sounds in itself and within the context how it sounds given upstream and downstream components.

 

Have a look for a used Audio Research DAC 8. It is highly detailed and musical with nice midrange bloom and excellent detailed bass. Also t true piece of audiophile equipment.

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