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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
kennyc
1,484 posts
 

Maybe starting 8yrs ago, there have been great sonic strides in digital DACs.  
 

Notable DACs:

  • 2.3 Doge 7 MkII tube DAC              
  • 2.6 Ferrum Wandla - HR competes w 10k DACs   +1.2 HYPSOS power supply 
  • 2.7 LAiV Harmony DAC
  • 3.0 Musician Aquarius - sounds like a $5k DAC
  • 4.3 Denafrips Terminator  [BNC in,  XLR out](But USB in best per AudioBacon)                                                                                      
  • 4.0 Linear Tube Audio Aero DAC
  • 4.5 Wired4Sound DAC-2v2SE                    
  • 5.0 Audio-GD R7HE MK2                              
  • 5.6 Kitsune Hifi May-KTE.                           
  • 6.6 Lampizator Baltic 4 (punches way above price point- beats KTE)
  • 6.8 Bel Canto Ex1 DAC (Transparent)                    
  • 7.1 T+A DAC200
  • 7.3 Lampizator Golden Atlantic TRP,          
  • 8.0 ACCUPHASE DP-570 CD/SACD PLAYER                                     
  • 8.0 Legacy Wavelet II processor +$200 custom speaker 

Ferrum Wandla and Linear Tube Audio Aero DAC seems like sonic bargains at their price points.  The T+A DAC200 is also a solid Sonic choice.

But, if you want to swing for the Sonic fences, then maybe 11k MBL C41 Network Player (streamer+DAC) whose Sonic’s competes with top DACs.  TAS Exec Editor JV called it a “bargain” whose Sonic’s are somewhat comparable to the ~68k Kalista DreamPlay.  This review just came out in TAS Dec 2024 issue.  “superb near tape sound..”.  

rikkipuu's avatar
rikkipuu
276 posts
 

USB is noisy.  It’s not noise you hear thru your speakers at high volumes.  It’s background grunge that masks blackness as well as adding to the digital harshness and loss of PRaT.

My Innuos Statement and Lampizator GG3 both have USB and I have a FTA Sinope USB cable but I prefer the streamers Ethernet output and S/PDIF input on my DAC.  I don’t believe more modestly priced USB outputs or inputs will sound any better.

I have an Antipodes S20/S60 DDC, I bought them used and it is much better than the Denafrips Iris I had before.  I feel the DDC does a good job of cleaning up a lot of the noise USB adds.

 

miesdavis's avatar
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miesdavis
20 posts
 

I was very certain from reading and watching videos that I wanted an R2R DAC. I happened to pick up a Weiss DAC204 and it is truly excellent. I’m not using a linear power supply yet. Has a much more involving sound than my old Auralic Altair. I am more of a vinyl guy but wanted to get into DACs. This DAC has a very natural sound. My integrated (Sugden IA4) gets along with the Weiss perfectly. 

kairosman's avatar
kairosman
285 posts
 

I have the Weiss DAC204 as well, got it open box for $2700, very pure and expansive sound, works as a DDC as well.

Curious about the new Denafrips Venus 15th that seems like a rebadged Terminator 12th-1 for pre-order at $3700, anyone on this thread going for it?

pickindoug
56 posts
 

OP, I'm in the same bit of quandary you are.  My SMSL SU-9n and Modi Multibit are the weak links in my two systems, but in the absence of something to compare with, they still sound great.  The two systems are either highly vintage tube ending in Altec 604 or hybrid tube/ss ending in Magnepans.  A friend with fine gear (Hegel 390 and Dynaudio speakers) just bought the Holo Cyan 2 and said it clearly bests the resident DAC in the Hegel, and he can compare live with a switch.  Other contenders in my list include Benchmark DAC3 and Chord Qutest.  Another friend went with the Denafrips Venus, and while I could hear improvement, the step change with his system wasn't enough to drop $3K+.  With the possibility of import tariffs looming in the near future, I'm feeling a bit more motivated.  If you're in the US, that may also be a factor for you.  Buying with a return option, even with a restock fee, is a bonus.  Good luck with your search!

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