How much should I spend on a new DAC

celestial_sound,

Dump the PC, even an entry level streamer like a Bluesound Node (130) will best the PC if you bypass the internal DAC with a separate high quality DAC. Others can give you better recommendations on the streamer; but some day I'll own an Aurender. Run ethernet from into the streamer, either with or without something like the Ether ReGen

I agree on the R2R ladder DAC idea, but it has to be better than a Denafrips Ares. I have heard the following R2R ladder DACs in my system and can whole heartedly recommend them:

* Musician Aquarius $3,100

* Musician Pegasus $1,100 (only with a DDC like a Denafrips Iris $550)

* Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE edition $3,100

* Denafrips Pontus II (or the newer Pontus II 12th anniversary $1,850) which soars when the Denafrips Iris DDC is added at $550 - This is what I own

Best of luck to you, this is the fun part

This is one of the best reviews I’ve seen of 4 of the top rated DAC’s - very informative.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=holo+audio+may+KTE+%26+Spring+KTE+compared

I have the Yggdrasil OG - which is a superb R2R DAC for a very reasonable price. If I were to upgrade it would likely be to the Holo Audio May KTE that this guy reviews and compares to the Yggy, the Spring KTE and the Chord HUGO TT2.

I’ve seen others compare the May KTE to the MSB DAC (pricey & perhaps the best at any price).

And yes... an R2R DAC, without oversampling, DSD, etc. - the most realistic sound quality comes from non-oversampling DAC’s. Though, if you want to spend the money - the Chord HUGO TT2, may be as good as it gets without spending MSB kind of money (which is ridiculous money for most people).

And... yes... a streamer / player like the Bryston BDP 3, will do a good job of transmitting a clean, noise-free signal to your DAC.

Check this out if you want a bit of an idea how great the Holo Audio DAC’s can sound - though this guy’s system components have some significant upgrades that produce this incredible sound quality (they’re not just off-the-shelf components)!

Thank you everyone for your comments. I will probably pull the trigger on the TEAC UD-701N next week. It have 4 linear power supplies, Two for the left and right channel for the analog output, one for the network module (streamer) and one for the digital module. It also have analog preamplification stage and headphones amplifier. Its like 4 separates packed in one box.  The greatest thing is that they use absolutely the same DAC, preamp and headphone module as from their high-end Esoteric N05-XD. If anyone is interested I've created separate thread on audiphilestyle forums. https://audiophilestyle.com/forums/topic/67406-teac-ud-701n-undiscovered-gem-or-farce

I have never heard the  DAC.  However I have no trouble imagining, based upon my experience with Pro Ject gear, that it doesn’t begin to hold a candle to the rest of your very capable system.  I think you might find that a DAC upgrade is a significant, major improvement. As another poster indicated the biggest improvements in DACs is going from $1k to $5K.  Streamers matter as well, though the DAC is more important.  Yes, you can get good sound from a PC, but even a $500 streamer will clear up some audible PC issues and will be easier to use.

If I was interested in an excellent standalone budget DAC, this would be the one that I would choose (or try, with their 30 day audition) which Steven Stone rates very highly. For more money, I would probably consider the Holo Spring 3 KTE, the Denafrips Pontus 2,or the Schiit Yggdrasil (not sure which variation). 

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