You might add the Gustard R26 or a Mojo Audio to your list.
DAC shopping - Trying to sift through the Hype. Can I trust the reviews these days ??
Hi All,
Well I've been reading a ton of threads about DACs. This is a very complicated endeavor, trying to find a new DAC. My 1st question is: Can I trust all the Youtube reviews these days ?
Seems like everyone is promoting the same DACs. I'm looking into a R2R Dac. Tons of hype for Holo May,Cyan,Laiv Harmony,Denafrips. Are these truly great Dacs or are they just the flavour of the month ?. There is almost zero negativity towards these Dacs. It's kind of like when the Eversolo streamers came out. Seemed like every reviewer was pushing the Eversolo. So searching for a new DAC online almost seems like sponsored ADs everywhere, am I wrong in feeling this way ?
That all being said here is my criteria for a new DAC (Probably searching the used market to get best value)
I believe I want to go with a R2R Dac, but it's not a dealbreaker.
My budget: $1000-$3000
My system: Bryston 3B Cubed, VTL(tube pre),Bel Canto 3.7 Dac(with upgrades), Antipodes Ds-3(player/server).
I really enjoy my Bel Canto 3.7, but it doesn't have USB input and I'm curious how much better a DAC sounds in 2024, compared to an older Bel Canto,. My BC has an upgraded linear supply. Once again this DAC sounds beautiful, but when its not compared to anything......Maybe I'm depriving myself of a better DAC. This is the only DAC I've had with existing equipment.
I know plenty of you will say go audition as many DACs as you can, but that is difficult unless it's hooked up to my gear. Won't help going to a store with a DAC being hooked up to different gear.Plus I want to buy used. I can buy higher end with a bit of a discount.
From my research these are the DACs I'm thinking of pursuing:
Laiv Harmony
Denafrips Pontas ii
Holo Cyan
You can tell from my choices that I've been buying into the hype.
Please add to my list of DACs and please dispel any extra hype over the most talked about models.
Cheers.
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- 42 posts total
To the point made by @dz13, there is a used (slightly modified) Singxer SU-6 DDC on USAM now for $325. That would give you the (potential) benefit of reducing jitter while allowing you to use any type of input format into whichever DAC you end up with. At your budget, you might consider making sure your server/streamer set-up is optimized first (maybe try an optical connection as mentioned previously) and then save for a DAC at a slightly higher price point of at least $4K where you could add the LTA Aero and Mojo Audio Mystique Y DACs to your list (both available with generous trial options). |
There are a lot of videos for DACs. I have had good experiences with the recommendations from Hans B. And New Record Day for DACs along with Erin and Audioholics for speakers etc. I’ve tried 10 DACs including the ones built into my Rotel preamp and CD player. My budget is $2K US. The best to my ears in my system is the Holo Audio Cyan 2, which is what I’m using in my main system. It is only a DAC so you need a separate streamer. I’m using the Innuos Zen Mk3 connected with a Pine Tree Audio USB cable. It was about $1300 delivered US. The May is supposedly even better but beyond my budget. I know it can be overwhelming but my suggestion is to enjoy the journey, trust your ears and stay within your budget. Upgrading, tweaking and trying different components is a great part of this hobby for me. Good luck and please let us know what you decide to do. |
- 42 posts total