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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.

128x128tcotruvo
relaks
63 posts
 

I would second Musician Pegasus mentioned here earlier, great modern DAC design by a team who know what they are doing and a solid investment at £1000. I'd say it's a steal compared to some popular DACs. A versatile, robust R2R DAC that punches well above your current system.

You may add their Andromeda headphones amp later and further upgrade the system, and the DAC won't be a weak link by any measure. For just £850 on a used market it is way above the level of you current digital source. 

I am using the Aqua La Voce S3 R2R DAC which is excellent at 4x the price, and can easily recommend it, but I could easily live with the Musician Pegasus also, it's a proper DAC.

bumpy48
27 posts
 

Is the Musician Pegasus available in the UK.?

dsnyder0cnn
65 posts
 

Headphones for the win in that room. No question.

tcotruvo's avatar
tcotruvo OP
179 posts
 

 

 

Headphones for the win in that room. No question.

Yes, you are probably right.  My Moondrop Blessings sound great using the iPad Pro.  I noticed that sounds like xylophones and musical sticks often sound very realistic though my speakers.

tcotruvo's avatar
tcotruvo OP
179 posts
 

Thanks for all the responses and input!  I appreciate your taking the time to look at my situation and comment on it.  I’ve ordered a Bluesound NODE.  Given my room and the rest of my equipment, it might be a good match to improve my music with what I have.  It’s about the quality of the sound, and also the interface and access to the music that I like.  If the NODE is a plus, I’ll look for the next step to improve my listening experience and will circle back to this thread to consider more of the suggestions.  I’ll also be working on my room acoustics.

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