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

lobinero
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,728 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.

melm
1,085 posts
 

With all respect, IMHO you may be asking the wrong question.  I have a pretty good analog system, but the last thing I want from it is to sound like what most people describe as an analog sound.  I want it to sound like music, the kind I hear when I listen to instruments free of loudspeaker enhancement.  There are many options that will do that job.

Of course, you may not agree, and it's your money.  People here have described their "analog" sounding DAC as giving "a relaxed presentation," "allows body relaxation,"  it "allows my body to relax" and even that it gives "the ability to go into a kind of meditative state."  Well, that's not what happens when I go to a concert.  My pulse usually goes up, not down.   But if that's what you want, you'll get many suggestions.

larsman's avatar
larsman
2,379 posts
 

I would also say that for a more 'analog' sounding DAC, look into the various R2R options out there (I've got a Holo May DAC myself, and it's wonderful).... 

rooze's avatar
rooze
656 posts
 

Denafrips Terminator 

Audio Mirror Tubadour SE

raueda1
20 posts
 

Sonic Frontiers SFD-2 MkIII.  R2R using 2 PMD200's.  Tube analog section.  And much more.  No modern bells and whistles, just glorious sonics that simply sounds real.  Yes, it's old, but don't buy the "digital has improved so much" stuff.  SF did it right in the first place. Now just try to find one. 😁

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