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Back to the DAC

Just a bit of an update. When I inquired about a DAC upgrade in a recent post, it was suggested that I look at upgrading my cables first. Since then, I have done so (see my virtual system for that). Not over the top stuff, but a definite improvement over the mostly stock, generic cables I originally had.

System is sounding pretty darn good, but like most of us, you always wonder what a more expensive DAC will offer in the way of sound quality improvements.

Many of the recommended, higher priced DACs seem to include streamers and/or offer pre-amp capabilities. I have a good streamer and pre-amp and really don’t want all those components in one box.

Have any of you experienced a DAC which offers the sound qualities of highly praised units like the Mola Mola Tambaqui, DCS Lina, T&A 200, Weiss DAC501, etc. which their only function is a DAC?

128x128navyachts
navyachts's avatar
navyachts OP
654 posts
 

@vinylshadow just an FYI, I am NOT spending $24K on a DAC, nor considering Denafrips. Hopefully I can get one of the better, aforementioned DACs here for under $10,000. I’m in no rush, so will wait patiently for something to come up. The likes being (in order of preference): MSB Discrete DAC, Playback Designs of some sort, Berkeley Audio Alpha DAC Series 3 or possibly a Bricasti M1 (series II would be nice!)

I’m in no rush, so will wait patiently for something to come up :-)

jfrmusic
288 posts
 

I had a Benchmark DAC3 and found it a little sterile and bright in the lower treble. I did an audition of an Esoteric DAC and the MSB Discrete DAC. The MSB was clearly a more involving DAC. Smooth non fatiguing. So I bought it and it’s great. 

nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,903 posts
 

Not to belabor the point but here's another rave review on the LAiV DAC,

There's also a more thorough write up by this reviewer in his written link below the video.

All the best,
Nonoise

zuesman
207 posts
 

Try the Wyred4sound 10th anniversary DAC, 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 and I totally agree it is so three-dimensional warm and analog sounding It's not even funny I wholeheartedly recommend it and it comes with a 30-day trial if you don't like it you can send it back and get all your money back after you hear it I don't think you'll be sending it back, It's not cheap though it's $4,500 US.

navyachts's avatar
navyachts OP
654 posts
 

@zuesman Well, it’s not the anniversary model, but I did have had a W4S 2v2 SE in the past and found it to quite good, thanks. Are you a pal of EJ's?

@nonoise lot of hype over this Harmony DAC, same as when the Gustard R26 came out. I think I’ll let the hype settle. In the meantime, I have my eyes focused on a used Playback Designs Merlot Dac. Thanks,

 

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