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DAC Suggestions

I’m in the market for a new stand alone DAC upgrade from my current Border Patrol which is fed by my Innuos Zenith Mark III server.. My budget is $3K - $6K new  only & like the natural, minimally “ digital” sound of my existing one but would like some more detail, a bit tighter bass & better imaging while not sounding fatiguing like many high end systems I’ve heard. Some reviewers suggest that a non over sampling DAC is usually the best way to achieve this, what do you folks think? 

Does such a unit in this price range exist in anyone’s experience? 
 

Thanks for your help. 

jonwolfpell
doni
360 posts
 

Audio Note 2.1X Signature if you’re ok with tubes and an upper limit of 24 bits/96k.

jonwolfpell OP
390 posts
 

Thanks very much for all the recommendations- the hunt begins. I’ll be in the Chicago area to visit a relative the weekend of Axpona so I’ll go at least one day & hope to check some of them out there..

bluethinker's avatar
bluethinker
183 posts
 

@jonwolfpell - Based on your criteria, the Merason Dac1 would be a great fit. Read the reviews. I own it and can attest to what the reviewers say - “relaxed but detailed,” “musical vs analytical.” One review compares it favorably to your current Dac. 

BTW - It is a non-oversampling Dac.

 

cbrez
63 posts
 

Take a look at the Weiss 204. I have not upgraded the PS yet, but I plan to, and even now, the tonality and dynamics are wonderful. I think with an LPS upgrade it will only get another level.

choiceaudio's avatar
choiceaudio
57 posts
 

Merason Reuss DAC just came in. Its awesome - great soundstage and very musical. It is close to the DAC1

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