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Best EXTERNAL DAC suggestions

Yes, I have the latest addition to the Bluesound node, I guess third generation, prior to the most recent anniversary X addition. I know they have improved the inner DACS with each version but now I’m asking what would be some thing better in your opinion and one that is in the ballpark.

I have Cornwall Heritage IV speakers, and I am currently running a NAD C 316BEE amp( which pairs well with Klipsch 102 db) at 40 WPC. In the winter my Mancave is heated by a tube Cary SLI-80, UL /Triode 4/8 OHMS. 
either way, I love the ability of the Bluesound node to be my preamp and facilitating my Apple Airplay 2 and the eArc into the TV/CD. Mancave is treated, speakers and me complete a 6’ triangle.

128x128moose89
vthokie83
931 posts
 

Moose89,

First congratulations on the pre-amp, that's a great start.

Second 12AU7 type tubes have gotten very expensive of late, my favorite are the Mullard NOS (not new production) or the NOS Amperex versions with gold pins....these will both be around $100 per tube, but are amazing tubes. NOS tubes will definitely give you the "warmth and soundstage" that you were referring to.

A very good 12UA7 tube is the NOS RCA "clear top" tubes which can be found under $40 and will be better than any new tube. Brent Jessee will carry a huge selection of 12AU7/6DJ8/and his reputation is perfect http://www.audiotubes.com/12au7.htm

Third if you do decide to go with a $1,000 DAC, I'd recommend looking at the Denafrips Ares 12th edition at $1,000.....not the Enyo/Ares II version for $870. It's definitely worth the extra $130; and is definitely on the "warmth and soundstage" side....and I'd add "fun" as well.

tony1954's avatar
tony1954
1,077 posts
 

@pennfootball71 

When someone supplies a budget it is to tell the people responding "what he can afford to pay".

This may surprise you, but just because pennfootball71 can afford a Lampizator Baltic 4, it doesn't make it a sensible purchase for those of us that can't.

willywonka
263 posts
 

In a different forum I'm in, people are raving about the new Eversolo DMP A6. It's under a $1000 and people who are coming from a Bluesound node and are shocked at the improvements! I purchased their Master Edition for my headphone setup. My home stereo system I'm using a Holo Audio May KTE and Aurender N200 so this should be an interesting experiment.

kirk9
48 posts
 

SMSL SU-9n Balanced Desktop DAC

And added benefit of this is the remarkable bluetooth for streaming.

Anything more expensive doesn't really get you much in terms of final fidelity.

moose89's avatar
moose89 OP
184 posts
 

@vthokie83 

Really…thank you for the info!

adding to my Bluesound Node v3, as a DAC first time, will be the Denafrips but an Ares ll? A really great used buy  it comes with a SPDIF cable? I’m not sure about all these interconnects… options… and even if SPDIF will work with Node3… then the order of NAD amp- Rogue RP-1, Node3, and the better cable choices for interconnects  

  I’m hoping to get it right … suggestions? And thanks y’all  to the many posts that have helped me decide on WHAT to do …as EXTERNAL DAC quests can be infinite as it appears…Moose

So

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