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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
thelonious527
15 posts
 

My pick would be the Denafrips Pontus 2. Great performance to price ratio. 

metaldetektor
148 posts
 

Based on your sonic priorities (clear, detailed, separation), look into a Weiss 205 (if you don't need the features of the 204). I would guess the "street" price for a NEW unit would be something like $1300. Based on my extended listening w/the bigger brother (501), the sound may be a touch dry, but it will take you "into the studio" if that perspective appeals to you.

hgeifman
2,113 posts
 
I purchased the $2,399 Benchmark DAC3 HGC. This very small DAC has 4 SABRE 9028PRO chips, 2 per channel, and the signal is summed to reduce the noise and jitter. I am simply amazed at the sound quality of this small DAC.
 
BTW, I called Benchmark several times and was immediately transferred to their Sales Manager who answered my many questions. Their customer support is excellent. I also had some post sale question and they answered them very quickly.
curtdr
348 posts
 

Well, let me throw in another possibility, kill two birds one stone thing:  Marantz Ruby SACD player w DAC... brings everything to DSD.  In addition to its CD/SACD functionality, there are inputs for coax, optical, and USB... so just select the input right on the Ruby.  

I got one "open box" for about $2500... if you can find one.  Thus you have a lifetime-build cd player and outstanding DAC, all in one. 

vthokie83
661 posts
 

gnoworyta,

For $1,850 a Denafrips Pontus II 12th cannot be beat, but I'd buy it with a Denafrips Iris DDC for $550......$2,400 all in with a nice USB cable. Will allow you to output I2S from the Iris to Pontus II.....an amazingly musical setup and, and what I currently own.....I also personally prefer the Pontus/Iris combination to the Denafrips Venus II DAC.

For a bit more money $2,800 (and as Soix recommended) the Musician Aquarius is a step up, and I can guess it too would sing with a DDC outputting I2S to the DAC. I did not have the Iris DDC with me when I borrowed to the Aquarius, but it is a great DAC. 

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