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DAC recommendation in 5 to 10K range

I recently get to the point that I want to try a new DAC in $5 to $10K range and would like to know if there are recommendations I should try and audition.

 

My current DAC is a Denafrips Terminator, to me, Terminator is an overall fun DAC that provide good clarity, energy, and scale. It has strong macrodynamic focus with good impact and punch, as well as solid resolving power and texture, but I feel drawback is lacking micro dynamic capability, tonality is not organic, neither is presentation, treble is not that refined, and can sometimes get too hot and gritty. What I hope in my next DAC is a balanced DAC that lean a bit more toward the relaxed and slightly sweeter smoother side of things, great organicness, great placement accuracy and depth in overall stage, great coherency and liquidity, as well as having great impact and punch.

elan120
elan120 OP
35 posts
 

Have you tried changing filters or convolution with hqPlayer?  I have a Totaldac d1core that I love.  hqPlayer with convolution help to make up for room issues.  I used REW and rePhase with a umik mic.  Definitely not easy, there is a learning curve, but worth the effort.

Yes on filters and modulators, but just now working on learning to use the convolution.  I plan to place an order for an UMIK-1 soon to start playing with REW, so hopefully I can have the same positive result you indicated.  Do you have any reading materials to suggest?

 

 

elan120 OP
35 posts
 

Of course there are tube DACs too that probably lean more your way, but not sure if you’re open to going that direction.

In fact, I do, Lampizator is on my short list to try and possible Aqua.

 

elan120 OP
35 posts
 

I can highly recommend an Audio Research DAC 9.

Thank you, I will check into this DAC.

 

willgolf
933 posts
 

I have had the Lumin u1 mini, A1, D2, and X1.  If you can find a used Lumin X-1 for under $9k end of the story.  IMO, is the best DAC/Streamer under $19k on the market.  I now have a Lampizator Pacific which costs twice as much as the X1.  To be honest there was not that much difference in SQ.  

The Lumin App is really user-friendly and you do not need Roon.  It is a great DAC.

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,638 posts
 

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