New DACs High End Munich 2023

@ddafoe That makes sense. I was lucky that I liked the cheaper DAC more than the Lumin X1. I definitely like it more on the RAAL SR1a and VM-1a amp. On my 2-channel I think it is less of a difference.  A lot of this is the synergy with the gear you have. 

I will try the Yggi+ on my Yamaha NS5000 on Sunday. It has become my best system and the plan is to upgrade the DAC on that system. The Yggi+ will take stage in that system until I get an amp for the office. I returned my PeachTree GAN400 on Friday. If I did not hang around A'gon I would have kept it.

Yes, I’m a new member. However, I did extensive research and talked to numerous Conrad Johnson users before demoing and purchasing an Amber 3. I’m just pitching a DAC for consideration based on my experiences. No different than anyone else. And yes, I read both posts regarding DACs and made the same comment. At least I’m consistent… Obviously, the end user is the only person who can make this decision. The Amber 3 or 4 is a DAC worthy of consideration.

They clearly out perform others on the market at 2-3 times the price. If quality and sound matters, check out Lampizator’s entry level DAC.

@rubicon15

wonderful! welcome... please tell us more about your system, your background, your country (which you have listed as n/a)...

there is a virtual system page, please post pictures of your gear and set up, and list your equipment so we might see

what prior dacs have you owned? which ones 2-3 times the cost of your lampi have you tried? just curious to know, thanks ... what other usernames have you used here in the past, if any?

we welcome legit new members who are dedicated to this hobby, and have alot to contribute to others here seeking advice or points of view on successful system building... otoh we who have been around the block here a while can smell a shill from a distance... shills, by the way, are also remarkably consistent in their posted content, sometimes painfully so...

So, is this a polite and somewhat political way of calling me a shill. To maintain my “consistency” this is a rhetorical question. Note, unlike you, I made a recommendation for consideration only. I encouraged the originator of the thread to do his own research. I mentioned one DAC for consideration. I didn’t get into the weeds. As far as my current system, I’m an old tube guy. I currently have a more classic tube system I’ve put together over the past few years - Conrad Johnson, Classic 60se, ET3se preamp, DV-2b CD (in pristine condition), Lampizator, Amber 3, Lumin U2 mini, and B&W 705 s2 speakers. All of the CJ equipment is in mint condition. I’ve previously owned Marantz, Mac, Music Fidelity, Bryston, ATI, Adcom, Thornes, and Rotel equipment, to name a few. I’m currently using a MIT cable loom with the exception of the speaker cables - Nordost, Red Dawn, and BH USB. One thing to keep in mind, this “shill” doesn’t sit around and watch CNN. I’ve been around the block. I’m sure you’re smart enough to figure this out… In the future, I won’t waste your time or mine. I’d be the first to admit, I’m definitely not an expert. There is so much to learn and experience first hand in this world. It’s more than a simple hobby. I continue to learn by reading, researching, seeking candid feedback, advice and listening to as many systems and components as possible. Cheers!

@rubicon15,

Good to know that you recommended a DAC since you probably heard good things about it. But there are some red flags, at least for me, and that is what even @jjss49 feels. You say you are an “old tube guy” and “been around the block”. From experiences on this and other forums, old time have hard time with internet. Strange that you registered brand new to make a recommendation, in the very first post. Old guys generally register when they desperately need help, and Internet forums is probably the last thing on their minds. 
Maybe you are different than other old timers we have seen here before. Cheers to you for the recommendation. Unfortunately, I do not look forwards to tubes in my DAC.

On The Weekend Passed, I was fortunate to be one of a Group of invitees to a Home where the resident system has been a ’first time’ encounter, and nearly every device in the system has been a first time encounter as well.

A recent acquisition DAC from the Brand Hegel, which the was the Model HD 30, is the resident DAC and was used for much of the demo’.

From the outset there was a lot to be happy with, but that could have also been very much associated with the Klipsch Jubilee Speakers, that were taking pride of place in a dedicated Acoustic Treated room, or just the whole ambience as the listening Room is the result of a recent completion of a Home Renovation.

Once the stimulus’s were more concentrated into the Sound being produced only.

It become quite apparent the Hegel HD 30, was in this system, as a SS DAC, was delivering in manner that was much more noticeable in improvement to my tastes, to any other SS DAC that has been demo’d over the past 18 months.

The day was not limited to the system as met, there were devices brought along that were to be exchanged with resident equivalents.

RCA Phono Cables between £300 - £1000 were tried out.

In this system, the £1000 Cable was able to really show off the Quality of the CD Replays, the sound being produced was a cut above, what was before.

Alternative Pre and Power Amp’s were used and then a Bespoke Built Valve DAC>PWA Memory Player as a comparison to the CDP >Hegel.

The Valve DAC for all the right reasons was a show stopper, the requests to replay earlier used tracks was constant. The Valve DAC really shone in this system.

I am investigation SS DAC’s and am not allocating a cost associated with the Hegel, I am on a tighter budget and am also am interested in a DAC with a small dimension/footprint.

If I could discover a SS DAC that meets my wants, that has a leaning toward the Hegel by as little as 50% as a produced sonic, I will be very happy. The Hegel is in my view based on experience through encounters with SS DAC’s the best encounter I have had to date.

If Budget allows, the Hegel HD 30, is certainly one to attempt to have a demo’ off.

It also is seemingly a Model with many Tick Boxes for the OP’s needs.

FWIW, both the Host of this occasion and one of the attendees, had got themselves quite familiarised with the Hegel prior to their visiting Munich 2023.

Their description given when inquiring about DAC;s encountered, is pretty much, neither felt their experiences at Munich was able to discover a DAC' that stood out against this one, the only notable differences they were confident they was detecting was the difference between speakers being demo'd.

As the system in use with the Hegel has Klipsch Jubilee's as Speakers, this is hardly surprising. I myself expect many Speakers to sound quite wanting after being in front of the Klipsch's for quite few hours.