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Let's Talk DAC's

My current DAC, the Chord Chordette Qute HD is getting on with age and I am looking for a new one with superior performance. So far, I have narrowed down my search to five DACs. At the low end is the Denafrips Ares II and the Eversolo DAC Z8. Mid range the RME ADI-2 and at the top end the Chord Qutest and the Denafrips Pontus II.

This is for an all-digital setup in a 12x12 dedicated room. I have a much larger room with a much "bigger" set up, but for this room it is a simple PrimaLuna Prologue Classic integrated, Audiolab 6000 CD transport, ProAc Tablette 10’s, and a REL T/5i Subwoofer. I plan to add a streamer as well, but that is for another discussion.

I am conflicted with the choice between a delta-sigma modulated DAC and an R2R type Dac. I do like the FPGA technology in my current DAC. It has served me well.

I am certainly open to other ideas and welcome comments from those of you that have experience with this equipment.

I forgot to add; I like a wide and deep soundstage and good imaging. I also hate a rolled off high end.

 

 

 

 

desperado915
arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,682 posts
 

I have a feeling, the tvrgreek character is old wine in a new bottle. cindy met anyone? @thyname can probably see right through him. 

j_andrews
146 posts
 

Does anyone here have experience with the Merason Frerot ?

I know there are a handful of great reviews, but I haven't read too much (or any) first hand experience from users on this forum. 

I have read a bit from ppl who are happy with their higher level offering...the Dac1

arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,682 posts
 

@jeffrey125 LessLoss was high on my priority list when I was shopping for another DAC. Ended up going with Meitner MA3 since I found the built-in streamer to be as good as my previous Innuos Zenith. The DAC is phenomenal. But I still wish I had a chance to listen to LessLoss. Heard great things about it. Did you by any chance compare it to the ever popular Holo Audio May?

thyname's avatar
thyname
3,107 posts
 

@arafiq : no.

This guy appears to own / have owned some equipment. Cheap / chfi does not matter. Cin Dyment owns zero audio equipment 

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,902 posts
 

One thing about the RME, it uses it’s internal clock regardless of whether it is USB or using a SPDIF type input   That is an advantage with TV or other video sources   
It always uses it’s internal Femto clock for all inputs, the source clock is not used with this DAC

It is a very good sounding DAC    Others have called it kind of dry or clinical. I did not find that to be the case but it was in an all tube system.   

I spent almost 3 X as much to better it so it’s an excellent value no doubt.  
 

 

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