+1 for the Denafrips Pontus II. I don't have the 12th anniversary edition, but I did upgrade the firmware to the current version. This is a fantastic DAC for the price and perhaps even higher price. I tried to avoid Chi-Fi, but after trying and returning a few Sabre based DACs, the Pontus II just presses all the right buttons. Note...it is not a streamer. You will have to add a network bridge to stream from hard disc storage or streaming services.
Recommend me a DAC under 3k
Hi All,
Long time reader, first time poster!
I’m expanding my all-analog system to add a proper digital front end and would like recommendations for a DAC to connect to my Wiim pro plus.
Listening Habits:
I primarily listen to LPs, but appreciate the convenience and discoverability that digital provides. I don’t have a digital music library and only stream via Tidal and Spotify. My 2-channel system does double duty as a sound system for our TV as well.
Requirements:
- All-in <= $3k
- Prioritizes sound quality above all else
- Streaming supports Tidal Connect directly or via some other protocol
- TosLink Input (for casual TV)
Personal Preferences:
- When tuning components in my system, I’ve preferred ones that are more detailed/transparent rather than overly warm/harmonic. E.g. Telefunken over Amperex or Mullard. Duelund CAST over AN copper.
- Realistic tone/timbre, soundstage, micro-detail, and impactful bass are important to me.
Currently under consideration:
- Denafrips Pontus II 12th
- Denafrips Venus II
- Schiit Yggdrasil
- ANK DAC 4.1x (with Duelund caps, etc)
- Gustard R26
The rest of my system is as follows:
- CSS 2TD-x tower speakers (neutral with some mid-bass warmth)
- ANK EL34 35W Monoblocks
- ANK L5 Mentor Preamp
- ANK L3 Phono V2
- Mofi Ultradeck with Master Tracker cartridge
- Richard Gray 600RM Pro Power Conditioner
- ...
- 88 posts total
I second the recommendation for a Black Ice FX Tube DAC. I have this DAC and like it very much but it is not my primary DAC. It did very well in a blind shootout at the Arizona Audio/Video Club DAC Shootout and I have had good experience over the years with equipment designed by Jim Fosgate. I have two other DACs - a Berkeley Audio Reference 2 MQA and an Audio Mirror Tubadour IV. I also have a Marantz KI Ruby SACD player. Before these DACs/Players I had a PSA PerfectWave MK II and a Marantz SA 8005 SACD player. The main point I would like to make is that in my experience there just isn't a lot of difference between modern DACs in how they sound. If you do a careful A/B comparison with matched volumes you will probably find that you are hard pressed to tell one from the other. If you are after a certain "sound" a DAC probably isn't the place to find it. It's nothing like changing phono cartridges, for example. One might think that my Berkeley Audio Reference 2 would blow away the other DACs but I have to admit that the differences are very subtle. I found this unit for a very good price used and I have a collection of HDCDs which it will decode but it certainly doesn't sound 20 times better than my Black Ice. Having the Berkeley gives me the satisfaction of listening to a DAC that is considered as one of the best and I don't think I'll need to upgrade again. If I wasn't so OCD about my stereo the Black Ice would have served me very well for the rest of my days. I got the Tubadour because I wanted to try a NOS DAC to see what the hoopla is all about. It's still breaking in but it also sounds pretty darn similar to every other DAC I've had. The reason I recommend the Black Ice is that it's well within your budget and at least you can try different tubes which gives you some ability to modify the sound. Otherwise I suggest that you select a DAC that has the features you want, a story you connect with, and gives you the best pride of ownership. Then sit back and enjoy the music. |
- 88 posts total