Accuphase dac 60

@duketbrd88 Man, I feel for ya. The voltage input/output levels seem to be an issue. I have a separate preamp that allows me to adjust input levels I reference to the ‘tuner’ which doesn’t exist in my system, but nevertheless, I can adjust the relative input levels appropriately. I was recently looking at some vintage McIntosh gear that had slide switches for different input voltage levels. I wondered what they were for( your question answered mine. (FYI: Different vintages of Mac gear has different voltage spans, check it out.) I hope that you can arrive at a a testing ‘jig’ that allows you to compare competing DACs on a level playing field. 

@oldrooney 

Thanks and thanks for the info. I didn’t know that. I had the same Classé delta cp500 pre as and Classé ca2200 amp with this ps audio dac for 18 years. The upgrade to the e380 Accuphase was a pleasure surprise in sound quality and musical. So, I was excited. Then I started looking at dacs and there are so many it just got to be overwhelming, so I just bit the bullet and got the dac 60. Well, I was pretty disgusted as you read. 
 

It seems to be breaking in nicely, but the verdict is still out. Not sure it’s worth the money when mine is fine.

So, another question for you guys. When I start streaming here soon, I will probably get the bluesound node. My dealer recommended that one. I will probably use the USB port on the dac. Should I keep the dac 60 for that purpose? I’m pretty sure the spec’s for that of the dac 60 are better.

 I am late to the game for streaming, but do pay for qobuz and use it through my iphone in the car.

@duketbrd88 

Keeping in mind your issue with DAC60 and Node consideration, I recommend looking at external DAC like Denafrips Pontus II. I think you will be much happier with a DAC like Pontus in the long run. You have lot of options under $2K :-) 
 

@lalitk 

that is what I am thinking also. Is that a pretty nice dac? Seems like lots of people have it.