How much should I spend on a new DAC

I have the U2 mini and it is a great streamer.  I have a Reimyo DAC that is a ladder dac and only does 44.1.  I love that DAC.  I have a SPL Director Pre-amp which also has a DAC that runs hi-res files.  I can't hear any diff in hi-res vs 44.1.

Terry London did a review on the Bircasti DAC on Stereotimes so you can read it there. Also check out Twittering Machines website because he reviewed the U2 mini and a lot of DACs.  I would highly say to get a way to hear it in your system because synergy amoung the parts is way more important than anytyhing else,.  I found this out when I plugged in $300 Hsu speakers I bought used into my $15K electronics and was stunned at how good they sounded.  No one would ever recommend those speakers for my system.  Love this stuff.

jh

Here is the link to Bircasti review. 

http://v2.stereotimes.com/post/bricasti-design-m3-dac-by-terry-london

I think Delta Sigma and R2R can sound amazing. It is really a journey to what sounds good to you and the music you like.  I fall on the side of warm and fun to vs the uber detailed presentation.

jh

I have found $5-7k gives you very good reference quality beating dacs at 2 x the $$ spent  in naturalness and musicality across the board.

tops in my new listening list is the T&A 200 dac , then Between HoloSprings May KTE  dac and latest Denafrips12 anniversary   Terminator + dac.

Gustard R26.

I just prefer the sound to a, not the most expensive delta sigma around, smsl 10, though that was connected to node 2i via toslink.

The smsl 10 didn’t sound “bad” but the tos link has it’s limits. Still a good little delta sigma with a lot of choices for output filters

I also removed the Node 2i, too many issues with the frustrating lack of control over the wifi.

celestial__sound OP

86 posts

01-19-2023 at 09:12pm 

@soix 

I understand the computer can be a weak link. But, even though if I add a good streamer I will still have to use the PC as a roon core. I don't think using a  LAN connection instead of USB will make such a big difference  

@celestial__sound wait…I thought you came here for advice. Doesn’t look like you have much experience in setting up a good streaming front end. So what are you basing your doubts on?