DAC Under $3000


I am considering the purchase of a new DAC. Budget is no more than $3000. I lean towards clear, detailed sound with good separation. In the past I have had PS Audio Stellar, Benchmark, and Merason Frerot. I thought all were good, but not necessarily "special". Suggestions please. Thanks!

gnoworyta

I resisted Chi-Fi as long as possible, but for under $2k, nothing I have heard beats my Denafrips Pontus II with 1.4 firmware.  It's a virtual Swiss Army knife of a DAC that is clean, clear, and never harsh or brittle.  Sound stage is highly source dependant.  Probably my last DAC.

Top choices besides the Schiit Yiggy would include:

Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE $3,000

Denefrips Venius II 12th $3,100

MUSICIAN Pegasus $3,200

Chord Qutest - it’s been on the market for the longest and has increased in price to over $2K but is available used for $1200 due to it’s time on the market

I believe you’d find any of the above DACs to be "special" sounding. I think the Holo Audio Spring 3 may be the best reviewed of all the above. Though the Qutest is probably the biggest seller still after 5 or so years on the market. Unfortunately, the step up from the Qutest is over $5,000.

I’ve had the Qutest for 4+ years and think it is super detailed and really special sounding with a huge soundstage and preciese pinpointing of instruments. I’m ready to replace it due to it’s age. But it’s so good it’s difficult to find anything under $5k that tops it. I may try one of the ones I listed above but I’m unsure if they’ll be better or just different.