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?

gregjacob

@skinzy I've been wanting to try the Terminator II with Gaia DDC, since I currently have the Gaia. Do you prefer to OS or NOS mode?

I prefer NOS as it results in a more Detail sound in my system.  I have tried both OS modes. 

For those interested in the Denafrips Terminators, they recently released 12th Anniversary Editions of the II and Plus which replace previous versions.  https://www.vinshineaudio.com/12th

@skinzy 

If you haven't, try the Gaia with the Phoenix on your main system with I2S it is better than USB.  If you use the clock out with the Gaia and TPlus it is even better.

I have a Statement, Iris and TPlus.  The quality of the HDMI, USB and clock cables is important.