2. digital
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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
calvinandhobbes
301 posts
 

Another vote for the Pontus II DAC.

FWIW, at least on the Pontus DAC, the choice of power cord can affect the clarity, resolution, and timing of the DAC a lot. And the most expensive power cord may not sound the best. The power cords that I've tried on the Pontus are listed below. I ended up with a $91 Supra LoRad power cord that sounded best to my ears.

 

Tripp-Lite Heavy Duty: $15

Audiophile AC Power Cable - WAudio 10AWG HiFi Power Cord 3.3FT : $35.99

Pangea AC-14: $44.95

Pangea AC-14 SE MkII: $79.95

Supra LoRad: $91

Shunyata Venom V14: $135

Audience F3 Forte: $150

AV Options Cryo TibiaPlus12 Power Cord:  $249

Synergistic Research UEF Blue: $499

Shunyata Research Venom V10 NR: $600

Shunyata Research Delta XC: $1400 - intended for power conditioners not DAC, but my Pontus DAC doesn't seem to do well with power cords with built in noise reduction.

arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,662 posts
 

I’ve gone through at least 10 dacs in the last 5 years. 
For under $2k, Pontus II can’t be beat. Great resale value too. 
Add a DDC, and you’re now competing with dacs up to $4k or higher. 

jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 

i would concur that the pontus 2 is the sweet spot in the denafrips line, for most audiophiles with good systems

the ddc part is very dependent on how the dac is fed in terms of positive impact on sound quality

one caveat though is that i feel denafrips as a company has recently engaged in what i call ’rampant product-update-itis’ -- incessant new models/versions/variants... with very little to practically no substance to this marketing driven crapola in my experience -- this tactic unfortunately puts a stink on what i otherwise consider to be quite good quality high value gear in the dac space

jacobsdad2000
433 posts
 

In this category, price range I would look at the Schiit. Great sound, build quality and built in the USA, if that has any influence on your decision. 

tvrgeek
299 posts
 

Forgot to mention Benchmark. By their WEB, they seem to have tackled most if not all the known issues. Digital cliping, power supplies, great output etc. 

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