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DAC recommendations

Okay. So, before this becomes the typical dac battle, let me explain what I have and what I’m looking for. My system consists of an Aric Audio Custom 300b PSET amp(almost always in class A set mode), Audio Note an-e/lx speakers, Cambridge cxn v2 streamer modified by ModWright tube dac and a Topping d90 dac. I can switch back and forth to get a tube sound from the ModWright or a more “accurate” depiction of the recording through the Topping. After a few months, I think I want something in the middle. The tube dac lacks a little clarity and the Topping is very critical of poor recordings. Both have their times when they sound better but I’m seeking a middle ground. 
Here’s what I’m looking for. I would like clarity, without being analytical. But most of all, I want natural sounding! I want a piano to sound like a piano etc…Lastly, I prefer a bit more bass and less bright sounding. Does this dac exist?

Ive looked at the Denafrips Terminator 2 and would prefer not to spend $6800. Does the Venus 2 fit? Bricasti m3? Other suggestions? I have some high quality components and would like a dac to match. Thanks in advance 

earthbound
moonwatcher
441 posts
 

I've often wondered if Steve Jobs were still alive, would Apple have spent the money out of their loaded saddlebags and developed an "Apple Music Connect" app?  Steve always wanted to keep things easy and a "no brainer" for consumers, but the current state of all the hoops you have to go through to use Apple Music in a high-fidelity stereo system are ridiculous here in 2022, almost 2023. Watching Darko's video on it is almost painful. 

I have an old iPAD for streaming music from the ILMA via Airplay so it is gapless, but that's the only Apple product I ever plan on buying. 

Good luck to you in your search and sonic journey. 

pedroeb
493 posts
 

I like my DACs to have excellent benchmark results as a starting point since they are likely to produce the best results.

The Musetec Audio (LKS Audio) MH-DA005 has a headless Pink Panther.

The Topping D90SE has a sweet spot Pink Panther.

Always provide the cleanest possible AC (a conditioner with a shielded cable) and cover the unused sockets with caps to block contamination entry points.

bigkidz
3,380 posts
 

My recommendation is to send your tube DAC to me for upgrading.  There are plenty of parts options that can be used to change the sound to what you are looking for.  Stop chasing gear.  Happy Listening.

helomech
1,670 posts
 

I have the Ares II and feel it meets your requirements. It’s accurate (capable of 21 bit resolution) yet also slightly warm. On the bench it performs just as the well as the Terminator and actually has a lower noise floor. I haven’t compared it to $6000 DACs but in my system it won out against a Chord Qutest with linear PS. 
 

But since you own AN speakers maybe you’d get the best synergy with an AN DAC. 

jeffseight's avatar
jeffseight
574 posts
 

I would buy the Uptone Audio Etherregen & make sure you have Cat 7+ thernet line direct from the router connection. Hopefully you have at least one dedicated circuit.

I use the Innuos Zen Mk3 Streamer. No DAC inside. Roon Ready, Streams, Rips

and stores. I am quite Tech challenged as well.

 

I tried the Ares 2, Audio Mirror, Pontus 2 and my current DAC the ANK 4.1x.

It can be assembled by Digital Pete-$3,500 all in. It provides good detail

and a deep soundstage. Keeping this one.

 

Keep us posted please.

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