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DAC suggestions

I know I shouldn't have. I have an inexpensive PS Audio dac I upgraded after seeing it on the web. It sounds good but I'm looking for better. I would like to get away from some of the brashness, shimmer, sizzle whatever. In the past I have owned several different dacs including Antelope, AMR and an integral dac in Mac 2500 pre. Can you make a suggestion? My budget is around 2 grand used.

I'm curious about lampizator. Aqua voce, T+A. I know there are a million. My system consists of Bat 75se amp and currently but soon to change a Cary 98 slp pre and Von Schweikert VR4 jr speakers.  thanks

 

 

dpm2340
danager's avatar
danager
942 posts
 

I upgraded from the MHDT Orchid to a used PS Audio DirectStream which was a litter over $2K used.  2K is the trade in value at PSAudio so it's a baseline to work from.

Neither of these DACs have the typical "brashness, shimmer, sizzle whatever" I've heard with some of the other DACs I've listened to..

You didn't mention your source.  I just updated my streamer and It made as much of a difference as changing DACs.  Both upgrades were upgrades.

MHDT is selling the Mhdt Audio Orchid 69SE TDA1541A-S2 version of the Orchid that uses the 6922 tube on ebay and has been updated to the 1541-a S2 chip which should sound pretty sweet.

soix
9,456 posts
 

You might take a look at the new Gustard R26, or here’s a nice Denafrips Pontus ll for sale on USAM…

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649896120-denafrips-pontus-ii-dac-like-new-original-owner-black-finish/

vonhelmholtz
911 posts
 

I just upgraded to Holo May DAC KTE. It is very Musical, dynamic and transparent. PS Audio is about to release a new DAC. The designer has posted circuit by circuit details on their forum. I think that it will be around 8K and they take trade ins...as you know.

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