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I am checking out these DAC's for my system

I am building a system and all I have left to get is the DAC and maybe a streamer.  I really an at a loss on which DAC to get.  I am wanting to stream music and also use my system for watching movies.  My equipment currently is SMC audio tic-2 GT24 preamp and DNA.5 GT24 amp with GR Research NX-otica's and Open Baffle subs.  The DAC's that interest me are

Mojo Audio Mystique X SE- I will have to purchase used and I will need to use and adapter to connect to my TV because it doesn't have toslink.  

Mojo Audio Mystique Y-  It only has a USB connection so I am not sure how to connect to my TV.  Mojo audio DAC's have really good reviews but If they only had toslink.  I am really intrigued with the choke in the power supply.  I think there might be something to that.  

Holo Audio May KTE-  People say the mojo sounds better more natural but this DAC still holds a pretty good price used and doesn't last long on the used market.

Musetec mh-da006-  This DAC is interesting but I am afraid it will be fatiguing.

Audio Mirror Tubadour v-  This just seemed interesting but afraid tubes won't last very long if I watch a bunch of movies etc.

Denafrips terminator plus- These are always for sale used which make me nervous.  

If you have any of these DAC's or have listened them let me know from your favorite on down.  

128x128brbrock
carlsbad2's avatar
carlsbad2
1,819 posts
 

If you’re just going to have a digital system, you can probably lose the preamp.

Don’t worry about a popular DAC being available used. Popular items have more sales so there are more used available. this is a win for you.

Don’t worry about tube life. they last a long time and the tubes in DaCs aren’t that expensive. Also, generally your DAC won't be in service for TV watching.    I use my amp with $2K of tubes in it to watch movies. A tube dac can be a very good thing. I have a Lampizator tube dac. In the price range you are looking consider the Baltic.  If you pick up a DAC with Volume Control, you can get rid of the Pre. 

Jerry

danager's avatar
danager
965 posts
 

I use two dacs one for optical TV (fairly inexpensive) connection and the other for USB music and then switch the inputs at the preamp. I own the MOJO X SE and the USB input is really, really good.  Knowing what I do now the MOJO Y AM would have saved me some money and more than likely performed just as well

vettegood
6 posts
 

You should look into a Hugo TT2 DAC, it's a great DAC to start with and it's upgradeable in the future. Add a Hugo M/Scaler . and you have one of the best available.

since the units are pretty much bulletproof, you should check out the used market. https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650177141-chord-hugo-tt2-dac-black/

Good Luck to you!

shmeet
7 posts
 

Musetec 006 owner here.   It's that good.  No fatigue after listening  for long durations. I was so impressed with the Dac that I purchased the musetec preamp as well, and I have to say it rivals my tune preamp with 6922 cryotone treated tubes.   

hasmarto's avatar
hasmarto
210 posts
 

I’ve been using the AM Tubadour V for about a year, averaging 4-6 hours of use per day, and it’s still performing flawlessly. Its tubes are readily available on eBay from former Soviet republics. A pair of 6S45P tubes costs around $40, and the 6Ц4Р-ЕВ rectifier is priced at approximately $5.I’ve purchased several sets from sellers in Ukraine and Kazakhstan. The unit is certainly not a tube-eater.

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