DAC upgrade


Let me start by saying I am a vinyl guy, but digital streaming, particularly if I can achieve the right sound has many advantages. My 2 channel equipment is as follows: 

Rogue RP-1 w/ NOS Brimar CV4003, LSA Warp 1, KEF R11’s, Rhythmic F12SE, Pro-ject 1Xpression w/Hana ML, Rega Aria, Bluesound Node, Marantz CD6007, Schiit Modi Multibit 2. Good to very good power, speaker, interconnect cables.  
My weakest link (I believe) is my DAC.

My desire is the best sounding DAC below $2,500, but certainly don’t mind spending less. i want the DAC to be as good as my best current component. I don’t need a DAC with preampliflication, don’t need balanced, don’t need headphones, however I would not eliminate a DAC with superior sound with those features. I do prefer a small form factor.  
My current top contenders are:

Chord Qutest, Schiit Yggy, RME ADI-2, Topping D90 III.

The Chord checks all my boxes… reviews, sound, form factor, no unneeded features, etc and don’t mind its quirky lights… but, looking your thoughts/ recommendations.  Thanks!

 

 

128x128signaforce

@signaforce you mention form factor and features, and you mention best sounding, however you don't mention what sound characteristics you prefer. Stating that preference may get you some better recommendations. For instance, some folks like highly resolving DACs, i don't as i get listening fatigue after an hour or so. Net net just a thought for making as an informed decision as you can versus using more random opinions that might not suit your listening in the end

I like the Line Magnetic DAC at that price range.  To facten’s point, assuming you don’t want clinical sound since you said you’re a vinyl guy, the LM is a nice DAC.  It is a tube based DAC.  I found it punched much above its price point - as LM gear is typical of.

I've owned the D90 (AKM4499), RME, and Yggy LIM.

I found the D90 dynamic, ultra resolving and clean, but very analytical and fatiguing and returned it within 30 days.   The RME was less resolving (at least less forward), less dynamic, but very easy to listen to.  Overall for the $$ I loved it and only sold it to move to a MojoAudio R2R DAC.   The Yggy LIM reminded me a lot of the more expensive Mojo Audio and has a more rounded less detailed oriented sound to my ears, with good dynamics.   I would have kept it but I found it lacked a little too much resolution (when I compared to to my much more expensive Meitner DAC).

Currently I'm running a Weiss 205 with LPS and think its my favorite DAC so far that I've heard in the $2K range.   It is super resolving and clean without being fatiguing or analytical.   Compared to the Yggy LIM or Meitner it is a little lean, but not so much that I feel like selling it.

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