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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
verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,500 posts
 

I will use two sources depending on system it is attached too.  I am kicking off with a 2Go/2Yu via a wired connection with a Clarus Crimson Coax cable.  I think the cable retails for more than the amp.  This is being served from my Antipodes Oladra. I just dropped that back into the system and don’t feel like swapping in the Nucleus.  I will eventually.  When it moves to that system it will be an Inakustik Coax into the amp.  I am using the Roon volume control. 

invalid
1,223 posts
 

@ricevs  how do you incorporate DSD and vinyl into this? I don't like PCM.

ricevs
1,543 posts
 

You need to convert DSD to PCM and the same with vinyl or tape.  24/192 is pretty darn transparent......it is the sending and receiving and storage that is the problem......when doing it on the fly.....very, very little loss.

verdantaudio's avatar
verdantaudio
1,500 posts
 

Okay, I fired it up last night and listened a little.  It generally sounded good. I did no AB comparisons and did not listen critically but tonally it is not bright and with a very easy to drive speaker (7.3ohm min impedance) there was no strain, etc…  it sounded good.  

I am going to try and complete a very fair test for it vs an NAD integrated later today.  I would expect it to wipe the floor with the NAD based on everyone’s reviews. We shall see.  I would also say the NAD sounds good in casual listening.  

nymarty
117 posts
 

Following this thread to learn more about some higher priced DACs and this digital amp from Peachtree.

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