Is there a DAC ranking list?

This is a follow up from my previous thread seeking more definition and presence in my music. Among other ideas, I was advised to get a new DAC and several brands were tossed out from $100 to $1700+. The world of DAC’s is large, and I’m wondering if there’s a ranking list for them, similar to Crinicles list for earphones. I especially like the value ratings on that list, such as “Redefines the price bracket.”

Here’s a recap of my scenario:

I listen to jazz at lower volumes on radio.garden.com via my Apple iPad pro

My room is big, 20ft by 40ft, no carpeting or drapes, with a corner LP triangle

Apple AirPort Express Wireless Router a1392 300Mbps

B & O BeoLab 8000 powered speakers, 10ft from the LP

Hsu ULS15 Mk II 15in sealed sub imid-room

Paradigm Monitor Series 7 12in sealed sub mid-room via wireless transmitter

Monoprice cables 10ft and 25ft, 22awg, 3.5mm plugs to RCA connections

I am sure there are many good and great DAC’s out there. But are there some that punch above their price category? I also don’t want to pay a premium for one that exceeds the quality capabilities of the rest of my system.

My music sounds “A++” with my Moondrop Blessing headphones, so listening to radio.garden.com on my iPad is giving me the quality of sound that I am seeking for my speakers.

Also, I don’t know if I need a DAC with a preamp or a streamer. Thx for any ideas you might have that could help me.

tcotruvo05-16-2022 11:32pm

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bassdude Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 464 posts 05-18-2022 at 01:14pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete YouTube is your friend! Listen to some of the best and make your decision based on what sounds best to you. I have the Schitt Yggdrasil, which is superb... but... I'll prolly end up with the Holo Audio or Denafrips. Though... there are only very subtle differences between the most expensive and the reasonable priced DACs - it's hard to tell the difference - as acknowledged by the reviewers. So... it doesn't make a lot of sense to struggle with a decision. "Don't get lost in the details" - it can be overwhelming. Listen to 2 or 3 of what are widely acknowledged to be the best DACs available:
yyzsantabarbara Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 4,600 posts 05-18-2022 at 02:42pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I was in the group that most DACs sounded the same until I bought a bunch of DACs and listened at home. The real differentiator of the sound was evident in my RAAL SR1a headphones. I never heard anything as revealing as the SR1a and with a bright DAC you get fatigue. With a to warm DAC you can immediately notice the loss of detail. The very best DAC on the SR1a was the Musetec. No fatigue, no brightness, and tons of detail. On my 2-channel speakers, Thiel CS3.7 it is more forgiving with all of the DACs I listed, but still is the best sound with the 005. I should clarify that all of the prior amps I have used with the SR1a have been solid state. Maybe 10 amps, 2 channel and dedicated headphone. A tube peramp or amp would alter my perception. As now with me using my brighter DAC3B with the new RAAL VM-1a tube headphone amp.
ozzy62 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2,898 posts 05-18-2022 at 03:23pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete From the description of your room/system, you have bigger fish to fry than a DAC. Just sayin......
tcotruvo OP Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 179 posts 05-18-2022 at 03:33pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete From the description of your room/system, you have bigger fish to fry than a DAC. Just sayin...... OK, ozzy62, I’d like you to expand on that if you would. I’ve started room treatment by adding 7 utility mats on the floor. As I mentioned, I’m very happy with the sound of my Moondrop Blessing earphones. My guess is that the weak links are the AirPort Express and/or streaming on the iPad Pro. What would you address to take a step forward?
ozzy62 Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 2,898 posts 05-18-2022 at 04:47pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete You nailed it. My first pause for concern was the room as you described it. No curtains or carpet makes for a very lively space. If you are addressing that, we can cross that off the list. The second one is the streaming configuration. You’d be much better served with a dedicated streamer connected to your modem and/or hard drive, if sound quality is of import. And by "LP triangle in the corner" can I assume you mean a record player? If so, this is a very bad place to locate it. Standing bass waves can wreak havoc in corners and don’t play nice with a turntable. If I misunderstood, please disregard. Lastly, the B&O speakers would be another weak link I'd be looking at.