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DAC recommendation for DSD input

Hello-- 80% of my listening is streaming local DSD (64-256) files via Roon. My current system is Roon Core on an iMac Pro making its way to a Sonore Optical Rendu which is connected, via USB to the DAC in my Hegel H390 integrated which feeds Magico A3 speakers and a pair of REL S/510 subs.. There is nothing at all objectionable to my current system, nonetheless, I am wondering if an external DAC might be an improvement over the H390's DAC and if that is a worthwhile spend.  I am space constrained so I must stick with an integrated (pre+amp), but do have space for a DAC and the Rendu system.

I have spent hours researching many of the newer and older DACS, including the cheaper "Chifi" DACS (Topping, Gustard R26 and X26iii),  T+A 200 DAC, PS Audio Direct Stream MKi2 and Mola Mola Tambaqui (used) and other DACs in-between (Denefrips Pontus and Terminator, Holo May, Wyred for Sound 10th anniversary, etc).  

I would rather spend $5k-$10K for a significant improvement as opposed to  $1K-$4K for no or a slight improvement. My hope is for more resolution, more musicality, less high frequency fatigue, tighter bass.  Is it unrealistic to expect that an external DAC will bring a significant improvement?

My system is in a decent room, but there is little to no choice in speaker placement or room treatment opportunities.

I have a chance to audition the T+A 200 DAC and the Direct Stream MK2.  In a previous system, I had an MSB Discrete stack which was nice, but I'm not sure that would be the worth the cost today.

What type of DAC (chip based, FPGA, R2R, OS/NOS) is more structured to DSD input?  I've almost ruled out R2R, but could be mistaken?  The deeper I look, the more confused I get.  

Thanks for any recommendations or advice.

 

 

128x128mintakax
stuartk
3,058 posts
 

@mintakax

I don’t have firsthand experience, but for what it’s worth, the T+A is often mentioned as particularly good for DSD. Why not take advantage of an opportunity to demo it?

BTW, I also listen with the H390’s internal DAC and enjoy it quite a bit. In fact, I just auditioned a DAC that lists for $10,000 and I preferred the Hegel’s DAC. It was not a subtle difference, either. I’m definitely not suggesting the Hegel’s DAC can't be bested, but spending more is, in and of itself, is no guarantee of increased listening pleasure. As you are undoubtedly aware, there are a variety of factors at play.

mintakax's avatar
mintakax OP
10 posts
 

Thank you for telling of your experience with the H390. I am trying to avoid the idea that spending more equals improvement. I think I will demo the T+A soon.

jsalerno277
246 posts
 

I see this as a bilateral problem.  The H390’s DAC is respectable but can be improved upon.  However, improvements to your server/streaming setup may provide greater impact.  Let me attempt to explain.  Your budget will permit purchasing a near world class preowned DAC that coverts native DSD such as a DCS Bartok, Bricasti M1, AR DAC 9, and the Mola Mola Tambaqui, as will as the T&A you mentioned.  The latter two are may favs and I went with the Tambaqui.  All have a different SQ so you need to read the press and audition to determine which suits your taste.  All will be an improvement in detail, timbre, dynamics, staging, imaging, etc., but you will need to determine is the level of change justifies the spend.  It is MHO that you may get a more significant change going to a dedicated server/streamer like a preowned Grimm or Aurender.  The Grimm and Aurender W20SE are selling slightly over your spend cap, but a new Aurender N200 or preowned N20 are in the middle of your range and will give improvements by reducing digital glare and improving timbre, dynamics, staging and imaging over your current server/streamer setup.  My recommendation is to explore both options, a DAC change and a server/streamer change and choose the one you feel provides greater improvement.  I will give one more option, a preowned Aurender N100H with a preowned Tambaqui or DAC 9 will be just at your limit and the combination will probably provide all the improvements you seek.  

stuartk
3,058 posts
 

@mintakax 

I am trying to avoid the idea that spending more equals improvement. 

To clarify, I didn't say it wouldn't -- just that it's not guaranteed. Only one way to find out. 

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