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Needing DAC Advice

My main, current system is a Schiit Urd through a Benchmark DAC3 B through a Schiit Freya+ (running in passive mode exclusively - I haven't even tried the tube output), to Pass Labs X150's to Martin Logan SL3's (and a couple of rythmik subs).

When I 'listen' to music, I listen to CD's or vinyl. I don't stream - too many places for signal compromise in the streaming chain for my tastes and, more importantly, I'm vehemently opposed to paying a provider who profits by paying artists virtually nothing for their content. When I can, I buy physical media directly from the artists I want to hear. 

A brief description of my pathway to here: the best-sounding system (for me) I've ever had was a modded Wadia 831 direct to a Pass Lab amp to ML's. (I'm a less is more adherent). I replaced the Wadia, as it was getting long in the tooth and I was worried about service, with an Oppo BDP105, then a modded 105D, again, directly driving the amps. Decent, but not the magic of the Wadia.

Which brings me to today - a transport and DAC. After much research, I went with the URD (because of the transport) through the Benchmark .I added the Freya+ in case I want to add vinyl to this system and the fact that the Freya is a 3-in-1 preamp. (I've got another, tube-based system for vinyl).

And here's the issue. The system is not a terribly musical-sounding set up. It 'sounds' very good: great detail, fast, big soundstage, blah, blah, blah...All those adjectives we regularly throw around. It's very 'there'! Sounds better than with the Oppo. But it is not...engaging? No soul?

I'm thinking it's the DAC. Maybe I'm just might not be a fan of Sabre or DS in general. Maybe I need try an R2R DAC. So, I started looking: Border Patrol, Denefripes, Mojo Audio, MHDT Orchid, HoloAudio, Lab 12, or even the Schiit Yggy.. Some of these add tubes which I'm not sure I want to do unless they can be bypassed (much as I love tubes, I'm not sure a DAC is the right place to use them.) Finally, before I go down the DAC rabbit hole, I will give the Freya tube output some serious listening, just in case tubes are the missing link. Otherwise, my questions are do you think that R2R is directionally correct and, if so, what suggestions/recommendations might you have? Thanks and I apologize for the length but I'm well aware that more detail I can provide upfront, the more useful your responses are likely to be.

128x128trn
yyzsantabarbara
4,918 posts
 

I have the DAC3B and it is hot on top, but it is better than average for DACs in that price range, and I will always keep it around.

The Freya+ was a weak link in my system, and I only liked it with the uber neutral Benchmark AHB2 amp.

I now own the Schitt Mjolnir v3 which I use as a preamp. The headphone amp in it does not match my headphones. I like this preamp a lot more than the Freya+. Reading the threads on SBAF and Head-fi I think the Mjolnir v3 is getting a lot of love. It is a Class A device and runs very hot, It only has 2 inputs and no remote.

Saying all of that the Mjolnir is my 3rd best preamp. They Benchmark LA4/HPA4 and the Holo Audio Serene are preferred by a wide margin. These preamps do not impart much sound to the system so have some good sources and amp.

I now have the Yggi+ OG (not available) and I think is an incredible DAC. I also have the Yggi+ LIM and it is rolled off and works for a bright system. The opposite of the Benchmark DAC3B.

Later this year Schitt is coming out with a new DAC tech they are calling Singularity. I am going to convert my LIM DAC to this new tech. I was thinking of converting my Yggi+ to the MIB, but research has led me to wait for Singularity.

BTW - there is a great device called the GeerFab Audio - GeerFab this device will play your SACD’s using the DSD layer. If you Schitt URD has HDMI output, you can hookup the DAC3B via the D.BOB and get great DSD sound. I use a $200 OPPO as the transport to get the DSD layer. The DAC3B supoorts DSD better than the Yggi’s.

 

 

 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,314 posts
 

@yyzsantabarbara Singularity? Lol

I wonder what Schiit had in mind…gotta love their sense of humor!

Beware though…the DAC will either cause you to go into your final state and fall into a black hole, or, the DAC will become so intelligent that it will eventually create a second version of itself. If by that time you don’t fall thru a black hole you may end up with two DACs for the price of one. However they will be more intelligent than you and may give you some serious schiit on a daily basis.

I would stay away!

 

fthompson251's avatar
fthompson251
472 posts
 

An R2R selection that you may like would be the Denafrips Venus 15th. Audioman58 sells them for well under $4000. If you stretch your budget to about $5400 you can get the Terminator 15th which is an outstanding DAC and build around it. It will tell you what is going on in your digital world yet is smooth, airy, huge soundstage and exceedingly well layered and transparent presentation. Either one would qualify as musically engaging. My Opinion.

2psyop's avatar
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2psyop
1,628 posts
 

Another Denafrips fan here (R2R). I have the Pontus 12th Anniversary and it's the best DAC I have tried. Only compared it to less expensive Benchmark, Schiit and a few others.

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
3,964 posts
 

Get a really good active preamp. It’s the heart of a good system. I don’t think a DAC will exploit the rest of your system like a nice preamp. I’m talking a preamp that not a lateral move , far from it, something used that you otherwise could not afford

Your  DAC is no slouch, I have the Lab 12 , it’s a great DAC but the amp and preamp is more influential on the sound quality in my experience.

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