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How do you make a final decision on a DAC

Thank you all for helping me along the way. I've been trying to decide on a DAC for my 2 channel system. I listen to JUST R&R  60's, 70's, 80's more or less and stream from my windows based Pc Via Amazon HD (which I really enjoy)  loudly currently through my Benchmark DAC 3B, and my Audiolab 6000 Transport. Associated equipment:  Should be here this week after waiting 7 months, ATI amp, 6002, Benchmark Line amp LA-4, Tekton SE Double Impacts and an SVS sb 4000 sealed sub. Really enjoy.  A ceiling of 5K is somewhat available, # 1 choice is Denafrips Terminator 2, (a little nervous as once you order it's yours) Audio Mirror Tubadour 3 SE, Aqua La Voce 3.  Don't really want a preamp/Dac combo, just a DAC. Listen in a very large shop area with great acoustics. ( just by chance.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Pulling hair out at this point, what little there is.  Thanks as always    Robert TN   ps service is a big priority!!!!

robshaw
robshaw OP
262 posts
 

Made my day, also made me laugh. Clint Eastwood phrase of old.  Scratching the itch. Hey thanks, so True!!!   Have a good evening.

bigkidz
3,397 posts
 

Even the reference DACs that are not mentioned here can be upgraded with better parts.  Just finished upgrading a $40K DAC and it was a pretty big improvement in frequency extension, speed, clarity, dimension, separation, etc.

 

Depends on what you are looking for.

 

Happy Listening.

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,202 posts
 

Your budget will determine what dac is on your shortlist .

my rule of thumb is $5-6k is for most a reference quality dac such as 

the new Denafrips Terminstor-2, or Rockna , or Holo Springs KTE msy dac 

or Bricasti 3 dac streamer , that being said there’s respectable dacs like the Denafrips Aries2 dac for under $1k that is very good ,Schitt audio, Topping for a small example.and plenty of excellent davs over $6k ,

digital is well over $100 k if you want to spend that ,just as many justify 

 multi $$ 1,000s on a turntable  !!

aewarren
667 posts
 

Why don’t you wait until your new equipment arrives, you set it all up, and you both settle in before you start upgrading? As others have said, the Benchmark DAC is pretty good. It may well be good enough.

jundaku
27 posts
 

The biggest thing is to be able to demo or at least have an at home trial from one of the online vendors.  I ended up listening to a bunch of different DACs before deciding on the Simaudio Moon 280d.  I wanted something brighter to offset my very warm sounding system and can also function as a high quality streamer.  The Moon fit my requirements and sounded amazing.  

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