dacs that I have had in my system - a listing

Wow, this has been an incredibly informative thread.

 

I also used a Sonore OpticalRendu for streaming to USB via fibre.

The 2 best DACs I have had are the Yggi+ Less is More and the modded GAN1. The Lumin X1 is also up there but I liked the Yggi+ better and it cost a ton less. The GAN1 is not really a DAC but the end result is pretty amazing, The stock version is not comparable to the modded one I have.

@yyzsantabarbara the opticalRendu and the Yggi+LIM combo being compared to the X1 got my attention - that’s really saying something from what I gather. There was another poster on a different thread that had made the move to the ultraRendu and the Gustard R26 with great results, but he was coming for an all-in-one NAD C658 (which I’m currently using) not an X1. Regardless, appreciate you and the OP sharing this experience. Definitely helps people navigate the wide variety of streamers, DACs, and flavors in the market.

Beyond the tax implications from a 401K loan, in addition to extending my time horizon, I’d definitely love to try an MHDT Orchid, Lab12 DAC1 Reference, Audio Mirror Tubadour (IV SE), Black Ice Audio Glass FX Tube DAC, Denafrips Pontus or Venus, and ultimately a T+A DAC 200. If I follow through with this probably-good decision, I’ll make sure to share my findings/experiences :)

@toro3 I took a flyer on it based on this review. Schitt is also very close to my home so I could easily return it.

https://audiophilestyle.com/ca/audio-shows/schiit-texas-audio-roundup-writeup-r1125/

Since I liked the Yggi+ so much I ordered the Aegir 20 watt ’Class A’ amp yesterday for my headphones. That cost $800 and I am going to compare that with a $7K dedicated headphone amp. It will not be better (the use of an adapter makes this impossible) however, if the Aegir gets me to 90% of the $7K (amp was sold) I will be amazed. My great CODA #16 amp gets me to 90% of the top amp.

The reason I liked the Yggi+ more than the X1 was that I felt the top end the Yggi+ was super clean and realistic. The X1 in comparison sounded a bit darker on top. This issue was rather easy to notice on the uber revealing RAAL SR1a earphones.

@jjss49 Appreciate the post and replies!

@yyzsantabarbara - I’m retired. I would strongly suggest not touching a 401K for the purchase of any goods or services. Especially, audio gear that changes and improves all the time.

Sure you read about this cool new thing or that other thing, but really using 401K money is super short sighted and later when you are retired you will understand how important every thousand dollars in you account is over time..

Exercise some restrain - find stuff around you home to sell to raise funds but leave the 401K alone until retirement.

Good advice....   I plan and save , sometimes for a year or more.   Overtime and sacrifices in other areas is how i afford my audio indulgences.    If I can't buy it cash I don't buy it.