2. digital
  3. 190577-169211

Upgrade Denafrips Terminator 2

Hi Guys,

I started my "DAC Journey" around 3 years ago. Over the time I had an Rasperry Pi 3b with integreated DAC, a Bluesound Node, then a Denafrips Pontus 2 and now a Denafrips Terminator 2. 

I am pretty happy with the T2, but I am looking for the secret Gamechanger in the DAC category.

Sure, the T2 is a great DAC, but there is for todays standard better stuff out there, even for a bit less money I guess.

My next DAC should sound a bit more holographic, more revealing with that warm sound signature. I think the R2R technology is the way to go, but I am open for everything. What I probably love the most about the T2 is that Bass slam. So I am looking forward for that kind of sound.

I read a lot about the very hyped up Holo Audio May. Also other brands like Lampizator, Rockna and LAIV are a names that can not be ignored.

 

I am a used buyer, so everything up to 5.5k for a used price is okay for me. I just need some suggestions or experiences from you guys.

Maybe someone has an cheaper option as an secret advice from a small company.

Looking forward hearing from you.

braun-hifi
calvinandhobbes
307 posts
 

@curiousjim I also wonder if the Netgear powerline adapter might possibly be collecting and feeding EMI or RFI into your system. I haven’t tried a powerline adapter but wonder about the effect of sending data through a power line. How has your experience with using the Netgear powerline adapter been? How does it sound compared to using Wi-Fi to send data to your streamer?

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
4,705 posts
 

@calvinandhobbes

Thanks for the extensive review! The network cables are the only ones I haven’t messed with yet.

My streamer is only cable, so that’s why the powerline. As far as EMI or RF, that’s a good question. The signal is run through  some cable to fiber to cable adapters. I’ve tried putting them right before the streamer and right before the adapters and I’m not sure I can hear a difference. Right now, they are right before the Powerline so the cheap wall warts aren’t plugged into the same power as or near any of my rig.

Jim

calvinandhobbes
307 posts
 

Curiousjim, one other option to get the Internet signal from your router to your streamer is to use a Wi-Fi range extender to create an Ethernet access port. The signal is sent from your router to the Wi-Fi extender and then you run an Ethernet cable from the Wi-Fi extender to your streamer. 

 

 

vthokie83
862 posts
 

braunhi-fi

IMO you will not get any DAC better than the Terminator II for less money, you will be going backwards or sideways at best. You may find some other DACs for similar money that you like the sound signature more, but that is a matter of taste.

The Holo Audio May DAC KTE is a really good DAC, but I tested it head to head with a T2....and the T2 bested it; and the KTE is the same money as the Terminator II

If you want a better DAC, you may be spending quite a bit more money.....not less; especially if you want to stay with an R2R DAC

braun-hifi OP
7 posts
 

Thanks for yall input! I dont think that there is a better DAC either for the same amount of money. 

I just want to see if another DAC in that price range can fit my taste better. That doesnt mean that the T2 is bad, but I want to have more experience with DACs in general. 

Right now I have an Eye on the NewOntech DAC 07, 07 SE and 08. Maybe someone knows how they compare and if the 08 is really that much better than the 07.

Oh and by the way...I still use an Rasperry Pi as a Streamer with Volumio. Does anyone know a better Streamer? The RPi is kind of low budget.

More to discover