I use a Benchmark DAC3 HGC as both a DAC and preamp, feeding a Benchmark AHB2 Amp. VPI turntable, Oppo 103 for ripping SACD's, an old Pioneer CDR, and a desktop computer for Tidal and JRiver.
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.
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@tonyrox I am a fan of Benchmark gear and now own the DAC3B and HPA4 now. I owned the AHB2 many times. I found that adding the LA4 or HPA4 preamp to be a big improvement over the DAC3 HGC, which I owned long ago. I think the preamp is the best component Benchmark makes. @brbrock I owned one of the Audio Mirror DAC (maybe V3) in the past. It is a warm-ish DAC and not the highest in resolution. The Musetec 005 DAC was also a warm-ish DAC but with more details. The new 006 seems to have improved on the details that I found a bit of a weak point on the 005.
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You’re running audio through your TV, correct? Well, this is a lot of overkill because your system is limited through a TV using toslink. Know this very well as I’ve done similar over the years. Very familiar with SMC Audio and I owned their Rev. A DNA 300 amp (with carbon wire upgrade) which is stellar. Had sold it leading to a move but it was fantastic. Based on your system, I don’t think you are going to achieve the best results with high end DACs vs. available excellent DACs. You can maybe try out a couple of used DACs like an AKM version of the RME ADI-2 or a Chord Qutest for not too much versus many of these named in the thread here. You may be more surprised that they perform on par with some of the others listed here for your system. An audio system is the sum of everything (room, synergy, etc.) and people often forget that especially how the amplifier is such a primary, critical driver overall. Best of luck on your audio journey. |
Last year at this time I was in your same position and I was guided into my ultimate purchases by advice given here. It is impossible to hear everything let alone hear the units connected to your existing components(synergy). I ended up with a HiFi Rose 250 with a Denafrips Venus2 12th DAC. Denafrips is uncanny good in my system. Therefore, if you’re interested in their T2, I would predict you’ll love it for the $$ value. If I A-B the Denafrips vs the Rose internal DAC it’s obvious that the Denafrips is worth every penny. There are other R-R DACs that people seem to love. Personally I have listened to high end chip DACs connected in my system (Aurender & Lumin) & I would choose an R-R over a chipset due to their unique sonic qualities. However the Denafrips is the only one I connected to my gear. I can also endorse the Rose as a streamer and have been very pleased with their App as on-par with Aurenders. The app is incredibly important in terms of your overall experience. Both of the aforementioned are superior to Lumin & Goldnote. |
brbrock, I just added a used Denafrips Terminator to my setup and stream via Wiim Ultra. Although the DAC is 4 years old it is fabulous to my ears. It replaced a Cambridge 851N that broke twice. The Terminator brings more detail and much broader soundstage. I went with the Denafrips based upon numerous reviews and because I prefer the vale of used I was not able to demo any other DAC’s. My other components: McCormack DNA 0.5 amplifier Manley Jumbo Shrimp preamplifier Kef 104.2 speakers |
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