Battle of the Older DAC

Hey, don’t you get tired of people trying to sell you on smoke and mirrors?? No matter what people are telling you, newer DAC’s doesn’t mean better DAC’s or better sound.  This is completely delusional and definitely lacks common sense.  My advice to you is you yourself test old and new at the price range you’re looking for and make a logical choice for yourself.  I know you hope to find the answers here from individuals but honestly too many people use this site to troll and bash others so do yourself a favor and test with your ears within your system. With regards to whatever media you will be using as a playback weather it is CD’s or streaming, at least you know the quality and development of CD’s hasn’t changed in a long time and the technology has been around since the 80’s.  Streaming has and will continue to evolve but we’re talking about catching up with CD sound quality.  Makes sense??

Mine is from 2017. I simply enjoy the music and don’t sweat doing an upgrade. 

The PS Audio Direct Stream MK II Dac can be had used for under $2K and it is very good.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650036704-ps-audio-directstream-dac-wbridge-ii-for-sale-outstanding-condition/

I replaced it with a Mola Mola Tambiqui and it was a really close call between which was better when I A-B’d them with a friend. We both picked the Mola Mola as better but not by much.

If I have to buy used dac , I will look for Theta , yaggy and Metrum.

I would add RME ADI2 to the list. I had this and the Chord Quest. They are both great  for the price but quite different. Ended up feeding the RME right into my power amp. After much switching, it just sounded better  - fuller bass, plenty of detail (though Chord beats it there) etc etc. I think you have to listen for yourself. 

The RME has a graphic equalizer and volume control, and a good clock if you are using USB.