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?

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I see you have a CODA #8 and a CODA preamp. Well, I can help there since I owned the latest CODA #8 and the CODA 07x. I no longer have those 2 since I upgraded to the CODA #16 and the Holo Serene preamp. This is a lot better than the #8 and the 07x. These 2 units are on my Yamaha NS5000 speaker and now the Schitt OG joins them. I initially tried the LIM in this system, and it was too warm. I would think you would feel the same but some people like it warm. The OG is breaking in but it has more sparkle on the top that I was wanting.

On my upstairs system I have the Benchmark HPA4 preamp, Sanders Magtech amp, and the Magnepan LRS+. I like the Magtech more than the CODA #8. I heard both the fresh out of the box Schitt OG and the fully broken in LIM on this system and they both sounded good. The OG had more details while the LIM had a warmer tone.

The DAC that Robert Harley of TAS was raving about was the OG that I got yesterday. The review is for the older version of the Yggi OG. It was upgraded to plus status after that review. It has potential, since I did some late-night listening yesterday with my RAAL CA-1a phone and the VM-1a tube amp and it was the best I have heard from it. Though the gain on the OG and the VM-1a is not a perfect match and not something I will use together.

If you were to get a NEW Yggi+ DAC from Schitt you would be limited to the LIM and MIB. The MIB is more similar to the OG that I got. I got the last OG they sold.

Since the OG sounded good with the LRS+ I am thinking I might upgrade the LIM to the MIB in a few months after I do some extensive listening.

BTW - I considered Briscati and Chord in the past. The Chord was intriguing because of the designer seemed innovative, similar in experience as Playback Designs, Rockna, and Schitt. There are a lot of companies taking a chip and shaping the sound. Like sticking drivers on a box. I like a bit of innovation for my gear.

 

 

 

 

 

 

@audphile1 OK, working up the scale: Briscati M3, with remote and updated MDx for $3800, Chord Hugo TT2 with Mscaller for around $6k or Briscati M1 for around $5K then upgrade to SE II for another $2500 - $3750 (don't know about the MDx upgrade on this one yet).

Knowing you have had a similar system to mine and are familiar with most of these products, which way would you go? 

M3 should be $3500. Good option to start with but without selling it there’s no upgrade. M1 is a kick ass DAC and it will satisfy you for a long while with good upgrade path. Chord stack will most likely be slightly more analytical than the Bricasti.

Either one of these options will make you happy but I would bargain down the M1 a bit and go that route.

Or…wait for M1S2 to show up and shoot for that.