One idea is to get a Gustard R26, which I have, or the A26, and add a master clock to it. Then add the new Etherregen v2, a SOTM sms 200 ultra neo special edition, a sotm tx-usb, connect them all to the same master clock, including the Etherregen, and I’m betting it will rival most 10k setups for $4500.
New DAC! Meitner MA3, Denafrips Terminator Plus, Holo May KTE, Mola Mola Tambaqui
Currently have an original Schiit yggdrasil. Thinking about taking another step up or maybe two steps! Is the Holo May still good? I know I hear a lot about Denafrips. Then someone was mentioning Mola Mola.
I like the idea of the i2s HDMI connection, I believe this is so I could have my DAC decode SACD versus a player.
Also considering name brands dCS Lina, Meitner MA3, MSB?
Wilson Alexia V
Dan D'Agostino S250
Mac mini running Roon
Is anyone really winning in this space. Tough for me to demo at home as I'm 2 hours from HiFi Shops and they are kind of limited in the direct to consumer DACs.
Thank you!
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I disagree. The DAC you’re using and it’s implementation of a network renderer vs what kind of streamer? Now add USB cable or whatever type of connection you will be using…that cable matters too. |
another one you should put on your list is the Wyred4sound 10th anniversary dac, the reviews have been stellar, one of the reviewers put it up against his VPI turntable with a $5,000 Japanese cartridge and he said it was every bit as analog sounding, I bought it from that review and I totally agree analog warm detailed doc that I've ever had in my system, not cheap though $4,500 US and they also give you a 30-day trial period if you don't like it you send it back and get all your money back. it has bested DACS from $9,000 to $15,000. |
The I2s standard is pretty much theoretical. To me, the main advantage of I2s is being able transmit digital data with fewer conversions and clock. Unfortunately, many I2s devices don’t transmit clock signals, or the DAC isn’t setup to receive and use the clock. My Aurender N20/May Holo DAC KTE aren’t quite up to my analog, but very very close. To be fair, my analog cost many times what I have spent on digital, so I consider the Holo to be a great performer. Where it sits today compared to other DACs in this price range, I do not know. The PS Audio DAC 2 wasn’t out when I purchased the Holo, but it does come with a 30 day trial period, so that might be a good place to start. I would ignore the vitriol around the subject of hum in that a trial in your home would suffice and be more relevant. I don’t know where you can do the same type of trial with the T&A, but that just might be out there. I believe that they are priced the same. |
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