Merson DAC-1 being over 5K is pushing the OP's budget as stated if the Hugo @ just under 7 is too much. Holo May and Less Loss are also in the $5K range. Merson Fererot is a different technology using the Burr Brown and with a friendlier price around $1700. Ladder Schumann is also around that price. R2R and of course the Qutest. Only listening will tell you if they are an upgrade.
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.
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The LAB 12 is a very fine DAC @oddiofyl and you did not compromise one bit you made an upgrade. Personally if I were the OP I would audition as many of these DAC as I could. |
Yes, in my case the Lab 12 is exactly the sound I was looking for. The funny thing about that DAC is I bought it with the intention of trading up within a year on a DAC that is 2 X the money. After a short time enjoying it I knew I was keeping it. I spent that money on a SOTA Escape turntable and Sutherland KC Vibe and got back into vinyl |
@oddiofyl Nice! Bonus!!! And congrats on your great new DAC. Love hearing stories like this cause they’re pretty rare. |
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