Why do I prefer R2R over Chip based DAC's?

Much of what goes wrong in a DAC occurs after the DAC portion itself. For example, a datasheet implementation of an industrial op amp I/V/LPF/buffer. The DAC will never achieve better than that limitation. Industrial OA are relatively easy to use but they are limiting in sonic results, no matter who does the design or how much the unit costs.

And all R2R are not equal of course; for example Denafrips DACs are unusual in that they have no output buffer at all. The ladder drives the line out directly. Obviously this will at least have benefits in no buffer coloration added, since there isn't one.

TK

mclinnguy,

I was using all harmonic tech magic stuff in my system which was incredible sounding and then I upgraded to the NeoTech rectangular OCC single crystal wire holy F what a big improvement but the biggest upgrade I made was when I put the Townshend podiums underneath my speakers it was like I upgraded to more expensive electronics they're not cheap but they stop all the speaker vibrations down to three Hertz.

@designsfx 
Thank you!
No wonder everyone was so off topic. 

These two helpful suggestions do not seem to fit here budget wise. 

the Wyred4sound 10th anniversary DAC is very analog sounding and it's only 4,500 US

You should try a Lampizator Baltic 4 ($6800)

@soix 

I'd be interested in hearing what improvements moving up to a better R2R or NOS bring. Dynamics? Detail? Focus?