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

++ Pontus II DAC at $1,800 what I own) though could also agree on the Holo Audio Spring 3 (Level 2 or KTE) or May DAC…..but they’ll run $2,500 to $3,500

Another possibility is a Soekris 2541.

The Gustard R26 is well received as well.

 

I may end up with an RME ADI-2 as my headphone Dac in the bedroom.

Attach my Project Stream Box S2 Ultra to it (probably a year away).

 

 

 

Thanks all for the suggestions. My first post may have been misleading. the Cary pre will get switched to a BAT pre. That is all that is changing. The DAC can change any time one comes along. The T+A 8 was stated as being bloomy. I don't think that's what I'm after. I understand the 200 is a major step up but well out of my budget. Is there actually a budget for this stuff? I have heard good about denafrips. Is it not true that a ladder dac does not play dsd or one of the versions? I am intrigued nobody mentioned chord.

thanks for all suggestions

+1 Wyred4sound 10th anniversary DAC.

It pairs very well with my analog ears.

Another vote for Denafrips here. Sound quality, feature set, build quality, they are a tremendous bang for the buck. I have the Terminator I with the updated DSP board and I’ve yet to listen to another $3K DAC that does a discernibly better job. The ARC Dac-9 would be the next level up if I had the bank.