What’s the best DAC < 6k (system specific)


I have a decent DAC built into my SS integrated amp but think I can do better with a stand-alone. I’m looking for accuracy, definition and sound stage. Emphasis on sound stage. I have few vinyl albums and find that the ones that sound really good are quite expensive. So, trying to improve the streaming to it brings or approximates that magical HQ vinyl sound. Maybe I’m chasing a red herring but, from what I read, there are some boxes out there that can come darn close. Has anyone compared the Holo May KTE with the T+A DAC 200 or similarly priced products? I know the T+A is a little more but I don’t mind used too. I went from Border Patrol SEi to Ayre Codex to Ayre QB9 Twenty. When I changed my Pass Int 60 amp to one with built in DAC, I thought it sounded better than the QB 9. Actually the QB 9 had more detail than the amp DAC. However, Using the new amp’s (Hegel 590) DAC bypass, to my ear, the QB9 is somewhat fatiguing during extended sessions so, I’m using the smoother, marginally less detailed Hegel built in DAC. There are no places to demo equipment near me so, I have heretofore depended on forums such as this for decisions, of wihich have been very satisfactory thus far. I love pure jazz sounds like the guitar plucked from the fingers of Bill Frisell and John Schofield; the edgy sound of a tenor saxophone; the sultry female voices of Melody Gardot, Chantal Chamberlain and others. Enjoy classic rock as well.

My system:

Hegel 590 Integrated Amp+DAC

digital streamer pis Innuos Zenith MK3 with Innous Phoenix reclocker (strmg Qobuz)

analog is VPI Classic/Transfiguration Axia cart into Parasound JC3+
Magico A3 spkrs w/Audio Sensibility Statement cables.

I was using Audio Sensibility Statement silver interconnects for the QB 9 which I still have to use with a stand-alone.

I know that good sound is more often a matter of taste. However, I am still interested in the opinions of others in this forum and welcome yours if you have one.

Thanks in advance.

hysteve

I also owned the Ayre QB9 twenty. I replaced it with a Mojo Audio DAC. The Mojo DAC left the Ayre in the dust. Ben Zwickel's Mojo Audio products have won multiple awards. Ben is available by phone to answer any of your questions. He has some discounted offerings with trial auditions. Check out his website. mojo-audio.com.

 

 

There is a video out there comparing the T+A 200 DAC and the Holo May.KTE and it is here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKxqXUeFSg0  

I have the T+A DAC (only had it in use for a month or so) but I can't really speak to any comparisons. 

dz13 what did you replace with your t+a 200 and how would you describe the differences? Are you thrilled with the t+a?

Previously I ran my PC through an ifi iDSD which allows choice of a solid state, hybrid or tube section. I expected to be thrilled by the T+A but I can't say that I am although there are many variables and I'm still trying out a few things. The main issue is that I don't hear enough that makes up for the price (although I mostly traded for the T+A). 

There are many posters and reviewers who say they hear major differences. It could be my system. It could be my ears. It could be co-ax vs. usb. It could be the music I listen to. Plus I also got an Aurender N200 put in at the same time I can't completely compare the DACs because of the different sources. I've posted this before that with the two new units, I hear improvements and continuing improvements and I haven't really listened long enough for a 100 break in -- but right now the price doesn't justify the differences.