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?
verdantaudio, Fired up a GaN1 here 2 days ago....and did not like it....it already had some hours on it. Then I upgraded the AC power.....OMG....completely different amp....way more liquid and real. I have three more mods to try and should have them all done by this weekend. I have never heard such an improvement from upgrading the AC power signal path before. This mod alone would blow people away. Cannot wait to do more. |
I haven't heard the Peachtree, but I have heard both Technics GaN integrated amps. They are both unbelievably good. I've also got LTA, McGary and Backert Labs in the house for comparisons. With the right speakers, I'd put the SU R-1000 up against nearly anything under 20K. Like all things, it's always a matter of preference in presentation, but one boutique speaker manufacturer recommends the smaller Technics amps (G700M2) with his speakers that cost more than 5X the amp. |
@ricevs I definitely used an upgraded power cord but I think it was a Puritan Ultimate XX in both cases. I see your point where the right cable might make a difference. I will give it a try with an Audioquest Thunder. I also might step back the Digital Coax I am using. Thinking that maybe the Inakustik is just a bit too open. |
Sorry, I was not talking about the power cord to the unit.....but the AC receptacle, switch, fuse, and wiring to the power supply board INSIDE the amp:....Eliminated the switch (already has a switch on the front panel), eliminated the fuse (already has a fuse on the power supply board (which I have not upgraded....YET), and changed the inlet to Furutech and upgraded the input wire and hardwired it to the power supply board (no connector). I did this exact mod to the LSA Voyager GaN amp and it made it a little better....but this was mind blowing. Probably because the stock parts were so bad and the fact that the signal path is so short (no DAC, no preamp, no analog cables).....so whatever you do to this ONE thang....it makes a serious improvement. I should have most mods done by this weekend and will post all info on my website. For external power I am using a Goal Zero Inverter and my own hand made power cord. You HAVE to GET OFF the Grid. Please read my thing on my website about using the Giandel 5000 watt inverter, etc. (When I get the money, I am getting a Giandel....it is worlds better than the Goal Zero thing I have). Yes, the Puritan line filter improves it more....and modding the Puritan takes it further (just now getting in the Furutech NCF jacks to mod another Puritan). |
@ricevs I trust that modding this unit is going to have a positive impact. It has a foundational scale to the image that is impressive. Issues were with tonality so if that can be corrected.... That said, modding is not my business. Going to be selling this unit. |
