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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.

128x128bunkertoy
vicdior
43 posts
 

I have the Weiss 501 MK2, wonderful DAC.Comes with room corrections and different settings if needed. Had the chance to audition many DACs dealers telling me you should try and would never trade in my Weiss. Music is played as if you’re in the studio, never bright, not coloured and extremely detailed and clear sound.We all have different tastes and different hearing but for me after many trial and error’s with my sound system, my present setup is best and most rewarding to my taste. 

mahler123
3,377 posts
 

I have a Bryston DAC3.  It was the first DAC that I encountered where usb was not a compromise.  You should be able to pick up a used one in your budget range.

  I get the point about wanting to audition in your system and the difficulty of doing this with used.  Is there a bricks and mortar dealer by you that will allow for a short home audition on the stuff that they have accepted in trade from other customers?

larsman's avatar
larsman
2,003 posts
 

I trust written and video reviews at least as much as I do anonymous postings on message boards and forums. I do research using a number of different sources, including written and video reviewers, and forums, to reach a conclusion. That said, I've had a Holo May KTE DAC for about 3 years and am very happy with it. 

trivema's avatar
trivema
99 posts
 

My observation is the YouTube reviewers never give a negative review.  However if you’re spending $2k plus on most any piece of modern electronic kit, you’ll get something good, maybe not “great,” but certainly very good. System synergy is also important, as is room acoustics and speaker placement along with good, but not necessarily expensive interconnects and cables. 

That being said, I am very impressed with my Pontus II 12th fed by an IRIS DDC. Now that Denafrips is putting out 15th anniversary editions, you should be able to pick up the combo used for $2k. USB your streamer source to the IRIS then I2S to the Pontus II NOS, you’ll love the smooth detail and huge soundstage! 

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cleeds
5,973 posts
 

I really don't take any of the YT audiophile "reviewers" seriously.

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