DACed and Confused here...
So many brands/models/shapes/sizes. Everyone has an opinion.
I have decided to start my streaming with a DAC. I will probably just use a tablet initially with Quobuz or Tidal, before ultimately getting a proper streamer.
Looking for <=$1500. I thought I was set with the RME ADI-2 until I read here that it would require a new power supply and basically an engineering degree to make it sound good (not flat, not analytical). Is that price point too low?
System is ARC REF 5se --> Art Audio PX-25 --> Blumenhofer FS-2, with the DAC coming in as the source.
Can anyone give me some guidance?
You might go up the line by going used with a Denafrips or a Chord, or others. In other words, get twice the DAC your budget indicates by buying from a reliable seller, used. My Schiit Bifrost 2/64 was purchased new and it's pretty amazing for less than $1k. |
The fact is, you will never know what best suits your ears in your system until you actually hear some. The Music Room offers a return policy on used gear including DACs. Might be a good way to explore with minimal financial exposure. I agree that doubling your budget and buying used would be advisable. |
For $1500 you may get a streamer ,for around $2k a pretty respectable dac the the Pangea 2 12 th anniversary no combos they are crap, and please keep in mind At least decent Ethernet cables minimum $200 + each as well as a good good usb cable.Ethernet hub the SW8 it has oven clock ,regulated power supplies and a built in LPS around $600 a Quality LPS is a must for the router ,the horrible wall warts are just inducing more noise most modem- router combos are 12v 4 amp , linear tube audio make a exceptional one on Audiogon $50 off for $700 easy to hear the difference ,with digital as I. Analog leave no weak link in the chain. |
First, I think you’re underspending on the DAC given the rest of your system, but at your price level and given the rest of your system I’d recommend this used Denafrips Pontus II (and not the RME DAC)… https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650046415-denafrips-pontus-ii-in-black/ Second, I also started streaming through my iPad, but there are huge performance gains to be had by adding even a budget streamer so I wouldn’t put that purchase off too long. And if you’re thinking of using the Apple Camera Adapter to feed USB to the DAC don’t. It sucks. Spend a few more bucks on this and you’ll be much better off sound wise… Last, do a free trial of both Qobuz and Tidal and just pick the one that has more of the music you wanna listen to, but Qobuz has many more hi-res recordings if that’s a concern. Congrats on entering the wonderful world of streaming! Your only regret will be that you didn’t do this years ago. Hope this helps a little, and best of luck. |
