2. digital
  3. 173536-16123

DACs and more. Is there a good analog sounding DAC.

I own a Bluesound node 2i for a yr now. I was initially impressed with the sound. I stream Qobuz. My Belle's amp/Audio Illusion/Vandys system produces a very good cd quality with the Nodei. I not better SQ with Qobuz HR songs. I have to admit, the Node is a great streamer for its price, HOWEVER, it has its limitations, like a shallow soundstage and some instrument separation. Therefore, I am looking to improve my digital reproduction since I love the the benefits of streaming. It seems that the streaming/Dac market has proliferated. I have two options. Replace the Node or add an external DAC. My budget is < $2,000. I Iike to stay within that range. I hear there are a lot of DACs in that category like the Denafrips, Border Patrol, Gustard and many others. Same with streamers. One that was referred to me was the Auralic Altair g1. Most reviews talk about its construction but not the sound quality nor A vs. B comparisons.

My 2 questions to fellow members: what has been the best Added improvement you have experienced with adding and external DAC to the Node. OPTION #1

Can anyone share about the Aurlic Altair g1 and /other streamer under 2K. OPTION #2

thanks

128x128lobinero
lobinero's avatar
lobinero OP
76 posts
 

I went with the Auralic Altair g1. will post a report soon

jaymark's avatar
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jaymark
512 posts
 

Holo Audio dac sounds the most natural of all my dacs.

mr_m
1,900 posts
 

Denafrips. Choose one, any one.

phantom_av's avatar
phantom_av
326 posts
 

I would highly recommend the Playback Design DAC, Either The Dream Series which cost north of 20K or the New MPD-6 which you can get for much less.

 

Iv been buying into the Chinese DACs and other low cost dacs on here recommended by other users, The Terminator, Halo Audio, Orchid, Pontus and Topping. None of them can hold a Candle to my Playback Design Dream DAC.

 

I was hoping to Find something that would better it and sell off the Playback to recoup money into my Analog Rig Unfortunatly this never happen the chinese Dacs are all good stuff but the Playback Design just performs so much better. Iv tried the DCS and Owned many MSB Dacs too. Not a fan of DCS its dry and metalic.

arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,681 posts
 

Keep the Bluesound as your steamer. Get a better DAC, tons of options for $2k or less. The first thing you need to determine is what type of DAC implementation you want — R2R, chip (ESS, AKM, Burr Brown, FPGA, etc.), or tube-based.

For under 2k, Denafrips Pontus provides a great value for R2R DACS. That would be my top pick

I also have owned and liked Chord Qutest, Audio Mirror Tubadour III, and MHDT Orchid. Having said that, I recently bought a Denafrips Ares II for my home office and I must say it will stand up to many dacs around 2k. I’m shocked how much DAC you’re getting for $850.

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