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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
kuhyay
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,182 posts
 

@j_andrews I used it with Lumin U1 Mini for long enough to compare multiple times to running it as a standalone. I preferred the standalone. Sold the Lumin. 

kuhyay OP
4 posts
 

Thank you all for the thoughtful suggestions! 
 

I’ve narrowed my selection to between the ANK Dac 4.1x or a Denafrips Pontus/Venus II.

 

@jeffseight i would love to hear your experience with the ANK dac. I believe you replaced a Pontus if I’m not mistaken. 

lanx0003
861 posts
 

I am not sure if DSD matters to you.  If so, Schiit and ANK might not be for you.  You need to down sample each time to the highest rate PCM that can be read.  Also, the output impedance of the Denafrips especially from XLR is quite high.  Make sure your preamp or amp could match it.

liquidsound's avatar
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liquidsound
154 posts
 

You all shouldn't rule out the BorderPatrol DAC...  I have one and really enjoy it immensly !  The tube in the DAC can be switched in or out and is not in the analog circuitry  Not expensive, analog sounding, built here in the U.S. and Gary Dews is great to work with.  

dhite71
331 posts
 

@kuhyay 

I think we can all appreciate brand synergy for both sound and aesthetics.  I see you are leaning to ANK which will match your other gear. 
 

i have had limited experiences with DACs with only two brands, Schiit and Audio Research.  I started with Gungnir and moved to Yggy and heard the improvements.  My other gear is ARC so then tried a DAC 8 and was definitely an improvement over the Yggy. ARC doesn’t seem to have much respect towards their DACs as I rarely see them mentioned but they have worked quite wellbin my system. I now have. CD 6 for dual purpose.  
 

These are all easy to buy/sell used and ship so I would encourage you to try several over time snd make sure you find the one you love. 

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