Schiit Gungnir Multibit (A2 Card) Gen 5 USB for use w SPEAKERS.
Very entertaining / analog sound
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
Do not be swayed by arrogant, "must be exotic or it is junk" posters any more than the SINAD chasers. Use your own ears in your system. As there are clear preferences in sound from the many DACs mentioned, that kind of confirms you need to listen to your taste. "Correct " may not mask bad recordings as some euphonic distortion will, so your choice. The Schiit Gungnir is OBE. They have the Bifrost and Yggdrasil for multibit. I do not think RMEs are available with the AKM. They claim their ESS sounds the same. Execution seems to mean a lot more than the chip.
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Under 3K are the Musetec Audio (LKS Audio) MH-DA005 ES9038 Pro x2 DAC. It has two ES9038pro chips (one per channel), and superb audiophile grade parts that achieve very high resolution with a very large soundstage. There is a lengthy thread about the MH-DA005 on A'Gon. I purchased one after reading and have been very happy. David https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/musetec-lks-mh-da005-dac?highlight=Musetec |
Since the rest of your amplification chain is ANK, it makes sense to stick with ANK. There is a lot to be said for system synergy. Companies tune or ‘voice’ their components to compliment each other. Mixing and matching components to find this synergy is a hit and miss process. If you go with a non-ANK DAC, I’d recommend auditioning a Lampizator DAC. You should be able to find a used one within your budget. |
- 88 posts total