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Help me pick a Dac

Budget 4000

I currently have the latest version of the Bluesound Node and a PS Audio Stellar Gaincell Dac for the digital Frontend. I stream qobuz and flac from a networked drive.
The rest of system is a Backert Lab Rhumba 1.3 , Schiit aiger monos and Zu soul 6 speakers. Also have a Nottingham horizon turntable, Hana cart and Lehman Cube phono pre. I think the modest tt sounds more natural and holographic compared to my digital frontend so I think I can do better.
Also I’m pretty isolated as far as audio goes so I’ve only heard my own system and likely will have buy without an audition.

Stu

 

 

stu20
stu20 OP
7 posts
 

Thanks everyone, also dammit I sorta want a lumin t3 now. 
To answer some questions above I’m using coax from the node to the dac and balanced out of the dac. Additionally I had the dac first and the node replaced a laptop running Audirvāna usb to the dac.  The difference was subtle but I could never get Audirvāna to maintain a connection to my apple devices so it went. 

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,502 posts
 

@adg101 

Count me in as another one who has had both and the SGC dies NOT "hold it's own."

stu20 OP
7 posts
 

Fuzztone, that has been my suspicion and adding the Backert pre confirmed that thought. Thus the urge to upgrade. 
 

 

 

1happyman's avatar
1happyman
54 posts
 

I agree with Pinwa.

I bought the Eversolo A8 and like the internal Dac better than my Gustard r26 ladder Dac which cost about the same as as the A8

dickieboy's avatar
dickieboy
37 posts
 

The Music Room is selling factory freshened PS Audio DirectStream Mk I's for $2000 with a factory warranty. I got one and it was in brand new condition and I also bought an Air Lens. The DAC deal has got to be the best deal anywhere near the price!

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