2. digital
  3. 187745-5323

DAC RECOMMENDATIONS PLEASE

Hello,

Presently my system is: Qobuz > Lumin U1 Mini Streamer > Electrocompaniet ECD-1 Dac > Herron VTSP-3A (R03) Pre > Odyssey Khartago Extreme Amp > KEF r11 Speakers.

The ECD-1 dac is 20 years old. I've had issues with this dac at times not playing 24/192 music at all even though its rated to handle it. Recently I've had to adjust settings in the Lumin to play 24/192 music at 24/96 in order for it to play. So, I want to replace it with something using a bit more current technology. My budget is 1800.00 for something used.

To my ears, the KEF r11 is a very detailed and revealing speaker. Well recorded music sounds great. Poorly recorded music sounds very poor and again to me, that means edgy and fatiguing highs. I'm looking for a warm and musical presentation. Things I've done to lean in that direction are getting the Herron pre and adjusting the bias of the Khartago towards a warmer sound also.

Dacs I've been studying have been R2R NOS dacs like Border Patrol, Denefrips Pontus II, and others. I also have looked at the Schiit Yggy LIM.  So I'd love to hear from anyone who perhaps has had a similar quest and what was found to fit the warm and musical goal. Thanks for any comments!

JM

jfmerk
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,870 posts
 

For around $1900. You can get the best in class Denafrips Pontus-2 12th anniversary dac it is a excellent R2R dac and a true bargain and beats many dacs that are much more expensive just do a review search ,the 12th is their latest version-and even better and that is the delivered price ,and they are Very dependable I owned 4 of them and still have a Terminator2 

they have a service center in TX if the need ever came up.

benanders's avatar
benanders
218 posts
 

You’ve got the speakers to do what you want. I’d say never mind the DAC - low 3 figure$ USD will get you where you want to be, so long as your music source files are what you need them to be.

In doubt? Ask those informants who “researched” what their measures of experimental replication were. I’m hazarding the guess a sample size of 1.

It’s your money. So it’s your call :)

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
3,870 posts
 

The Denafrips Pontus-2 has been upgraded and much better in the 12th anniversary addition and still under $2k.

bgross's avatar
bgross
309 posts
 

I really like the Synthesis, Roma 69 & Line Magnetic tube DACs. I use an older LM 502ca and rolled in some high-end 12au7s & rectifier tubes - its ridiculously great and better sounding than anything I’ve experienced for upwards of $5-$6K. I use an Audience, AU24se digital cable too which is a great connector. So many terrific moderately priced DACs... these are a couple I enjoy

wsrrsw's avatar
wsrrsw
890 posts
 

Budget?

More to discover