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

stu2003-02-2024 5:12pm

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39 posts total
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dickieboy Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 37 posts 03-03-2024 at 08:47pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete 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!
benanders Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 213 posts 03-04-2024 at 08:51am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete It would be best if you could digitize a few of your albums and play the files back through your current streamer/DAC combo before assuming the streamer files you access can be of comparable enjoyment to you (as those on the LP’s). Your present comparison of source files might be apples to oranges for some/many albums. Wouldn’t be able to know without a more direct comparison before swapping components.
woots Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 282 posts 03-04-2024 at 10:40am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete @bill_k Thank you for the correction! My mistake. I had the Lumin T2 and loved it but the T3 is even better!
magnuman Details Discussions Posts This discussion 200 posts 03-04-2024 at 05:16pm Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete Try the Wyred4sound 10th anniversary DAC It's about $4,500 US, one of the reviewers put it up against his VPI turntable with the $5,000 Japanese cartridge and he said that the 10th anniversary DAC sounded just as analog, on that review I bought it to try it and I totally agree this thing beats DACs 3 to 4 times the price and they also give you a 30-day trial. can't beat that.
njcardave Details Discussions Posts This discussion Message User 34 posts 03-05-2024 at 12:59am Copy Comment URL Report Comment Edit Delete I have a Backert Labs Rhythm 1.4 . Before I purchased an Aqua Acoustics LaScala DAC I had a Bryston BDA-3 DAC. Look For one on the preowned market.