Best DACs under $7,000.00
I'm tentatively beginning the search for a DAC upgrade. Currently, I have Innuos Zen MK3 as a streamer connected via USB to a Denafrips Iris DDC that is connected via I2S to a Denafrips Pontus II DAC. The Pontus II is excellent but I feel it's the one point where I could gain incremental improvement toward that illusive natural, layered, analog end-of-the-rainbow. I simply can't / won't spend above $5,000.00 - $7,000.00 on the DAC. The rest of my system: top-of-line Prima Luna Evo 400 Integrated Amp and a set of Harbeth speakers. Right now, I'm looking at Denafrips Terminator II or Holo Audio May DAC. I've never seen an a/b comparison of these two, but both stand out and have a following. Of course, the unsettling thing is DACs have evolved so much and are still in a blooming state technologically, making it a given that whatever we have today will probably be surpassed by better for less later, like electric vehicles. But that's the nature of the beast. Does anyone have alternative suggestions in this current climate?
@tvad Regarding the Modwright Transporter, one is able to use a 6922 to 6SN7 adapter and accommodate 6SN7 tubes. I did so successfully for years in a second system. That unit was what made me so drawn to the Baltic 3 when it was announced. Also, like you, I did not love the Mola Mola Tambaqui. I found it to be too clinical and dry, but it has admirable speed, separation, and decay. T+A helped me land the absolute best of both worlds. |
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To blisshifi:I know you have a very high-end T+A Dac system. My question: have you spent any time listening to the DAC200? I spoke with Elliot from T&A NA and he has been very helpful. He also directed me to the very good review recently done: https://audiophilestyle.com/ca/reviews/ta-dac-200-da-converter-review-r1135/ Here is what I wrote him in our correspondence: "I read the very good review. I am now down to the choice of two DACs (from eliminating over 20 on the list): T+A DAC 200 Lampizator Atlantic TRP I know these are very different DACs. I'll finalize this hard choice in a couple of weeks. Due to time demands and the fact that whatever I listen to in a showroom isn't my system, esp. when differences at this level of DAC become personal taste and nuances, I am being guided by many reviews, calls, and emails to users. I think I've reduced my "big mistake" possibility about as far as this process can go! It has narrowed down to these two well-regarded units." "At some point, I'll just have to plunk down and commit. As far as the DAC 200, I know there is the positive review you sent me but I sure wish I had additional support for that or, even better, someone who could reflect comparisons in a musical way. The reviewer of the article spent a lot of time talking about the technical prowess of the DAC 200 but not as much in detailing tone quality (super important), soundstage, analogue-like descriptions, etc. It's the sound comparison that will be the leap of faith in the end." So, blissfhifi (or anyone else), I was wondering if you had any opinion about the tonal qualities or any other descriptions that might give more insight into the musical positive attributes of the DAC200?... Thanks. |
