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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
decooney
1,995 posts
 

@bunkertoy going slightly in a different direction from some responses here, I’d share your BelCanto 3.7 is quite nice as-is. You might have to spend quite a bit more $ than some of the lower cost R2R dacs mentioned to beat what you have now = which is known to be smooth sounding dac with nice presentation.

Having also tried some of the lower cost R2Rs myself just for fun, and compared against my own prior dacs. designed and built around that exact same BB TI/PM1792 chipset, I enjoyed those dacs too. If you have a chance, go for a top shelf R2R true resistor ladder dacs to make it a more helpful and compelling comparison, ime. Interested to see what you end up trying, testing, comparing if you do proceed. If not, enjoy what you have now which is very nice too yes

dz13
244 posts
 

@gryphongryph As I mentioned in my earlier post, I am really interested in the Audial DAC S5b. When you get it, please let me know how you like it and what qualities it has. It is a real intriguing DAC. I'm sort of stuck until I get something sold. 

@bunkertoy I know you are getting a bunch of suggestions. Just remember to look at all of the specs on them. Some don't do DSD. Some do not oversample (if that is something you want). Some don't have many digital inputs. I am pretty much committed for my new DAC to have an i2s input so I can use the DDC to the full potential. Some DACs use i2s as their native language so it would seem to make sense to use that input if it is available.

Right now, for me, it is basically looking like either the Pontus 15th or the Audial DAC S5b although some others merit consideration such as the refurbished PS Audio Direct Stream or the Audio-gd R-7HE Mk 2 or 3. Also if a used La Scala showed up at a good price or a Holo May, I would jump at those. 

Anyhow, I still suggest you try a DDC first and possibly save yourself a bunch of money if you think your DAC is good but want to try different inputs.

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,791 posts
 

All DACs sound different, how different depends on system resolution,testing methodology, and listening acumen.

 

the best way we have found play a 20 sec snippet of music note the volume level on a SPL meter then switch Dacs repeat and note what changes.

 

as per USB this OP has a superb Antipodes server, so its USB output will sound great.

What matters is the servers design.

Dave and Troy

Audio intellect NJ

wsrrsw's avatar
wsrrsw
1,018 posts
 

From the Streamer an AES/EBU cable is used into the Weiss DAC and then XLR or RCA form the Weiss goes to the Pre or intreated AMP.  A wise man told me that AES/EBU is where the magic happens having something to do with how the DAC takes over???? Anyway hope you get to try one. They come up used.

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