Got Innuous, now a DAC


I worked with the Music Room and purchased an Innuous Zen Mk3. I remember five years ago when I started building my system, I heard many say streamers don’t matter. Well they do. I thought my BS Node 2i was good with the after market power supply. The Innuous kicked dirt in the face of the BS. The Innuous forced me to use USB which probably helps as well. And an added benefit: NO MORE SOFTWARE ISSUES. Yay! Qobuz internet interface is great. The sound of Qobuz is so good it made my $400 BT speakers sound better.

The Music Room associate said I will see another step improvement. I have looked around. I think R2R might be a good try. I would characterize my system as neutral. I have eliminated most glare or listening fatigue. But I don’t know what I don’t know.

I would like to keep this under $2000. Here are some that I found.

Denafrips Pontus 12 $1500

Ali express Denafrips 15 $1518 plus ship

Aqua La Voce. ???

Ayre Dx9. I think these are old but have good rep. I think it s Delta Sigma

Chord ??

Gustard. R26 mixed reviews

Bel Canto ???

i will not be updating amp and preamp. Thank you in advance.

The brands are exploding, but thank you in advance for your suggestions. 

 

128x128daledeee1

@sls883 I tried a couple videos and the very informative Head-fi thread but it seems to be very cable dependent and after a couple cables ordered, I quit trying.

I'm very happy with the sound non the less.

Gary

@xpsvwino I didn’t notice any improvement with the firmware update. It really wasn’t worth the risk of bricking it.

I did it because I thought it would increase the font size on the display, but it didn't do it. 

Some good suggestions.  @soix The DDC is a good tip.

@gdnrbob You are correct.  I would also receive solid support from Ayre.  I see several for sale.

Denafrips is good sound for the price

Gustard sounds like my Topping.  A manual that is unintelligible.

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The Gustard manual isn't bad.  They just fail to cover firmware updates.  Which is bad. Lol. 

It's over your budget, but I'm very happy with my Gustard X30 dac. I'm using a Gustard U18 ddc, but you could use the USB input. I also have an Innuos Zen Mk3 streamer.