DAC recommendation for DSD input

Hi @mintakax, fair questions!  Like many, (and you) I tried several things to optimize and clean up my digital.  I did try an optical interface early on, but the rest of my system was also not great back then.  For me, it was getting an M12 switch from JCAT with and Optimo LPS that was a major leap up.  So I eliminated the optical, and I eliminated the Ether Regen, and focused on high quality ethernet cables with the switch.  Today I have two good switches in series, the JCAT M12 Gold and a GTT DeJitterit Switch X.  Together they sound better than either one alone.  

As for the computer, I formerly used a Mac Mini, with everything turned off I could to avoid extraneous programs.  It was good, as I am sure your Mac is.  But a dedicated streamer will probably add favorably.  Everyone likes the one they are familiar with, and whose software (or Roon) the enjoy.  I agree with that!  When I first got my Tambaqui, I was sure I was done.  No dedicated streamer.  But when I added the Aries, it got much better.

Take care!

One needs to consider the nature of their system to decide what is the best DAC for it. For example, my office system is now on the warm side with the Schitt Mjolnir v3 preamp and Schitt Wotan amp. I used the Schitt Yggi+ LIM DAC in my prior office setup which was a brighter system. With the current system the rolled off LIM is rather mushy; so, today I am using my ’too hot on top" Benchmark DAC3B on this new warm system and it sounds really good. No need to change anything,

@mintakax

Nonetheless, I agree that a dedicated server would be an improvement.

I have 3 OpticalRendu’s and these things are rather good. The beauty of the Rendu’s is that you do not need to keep the computer near the audio gear, like you would with a dedicated server. In fact, your computer (I have a cheap DELL) should be as good as a dedicated server if you are using fiber just before the DAC. Which you are with the OpticalRendu. The fibre acts as a MOAT against the analog gremlins that a dedicated server has also been optimized for, but at a high $$ cost.

BTW - Just an FYI there is a thread by the dealer verdantaudio (sp?) where he is now testing the latest $40K Linn DAC. This DAC can input a fibre SFP directly on the DAC. No need to use USB via an OpticalRendu. You may find it interesting and realize how good your Rendu’s are because you are doing almost the same thing.

BTW2 - my best DAC is the Schitt Yggi+ OG which you cannot buy anymore, and I will never sell. It is similar to the 5x more expensive Mola Mola Tambaqui. Mike Moffat at Schitt is a very experienced DAC designer. This summer they are coming out with the next version of the Yggi+. I am going to send my LIM DAC to get upgraded. I must say I do not like the LIM anymore. It was purposely rolled off on top and I got fooled into buying it. I think the next Yggi+ could be great.

Edit: Oops, did not see the requirement for DSD. Forget the Yggi+ then. I play DSD using the incredible D.BOB ($600 - $800) and my Benchmark DAC3B 
GeerFab Audio - GeerFab

I am unclear after reading the thread here as to whether or not the OP DAC in the Hegel does native DSD without a PCM conversion.

I haven’t heard the DAC in the Hegel so I can’t comment from experience . However if it doesn’t do native DSD and since the OP stated that “84%” of his listening is native DSD, then I would get a DAC that does native DSD . Why gaff around with putting so much emphasis into obtaining DSD files and then not want to optimize the experience?

fwiw I have had FACs that do native DSD and ones that do PCM conversions. I always prefer the straight unadulterated delivery. However we are talking about that last little bit of excellence

@mintakax , since you live in Colorado, The Music Room would be another retail option. They have a buy it - try it program; so, you'd avoid the out-of-pocket shipping costs on anything that you tried and didn't like.

FWIW, the PS Audio DAC was designed to get the best performance from DSD thru the use of an I2S input./output.

From my experience, the Mola Mola Tambaqui will be your biggest bang for the buck.  You've already got Roon, which is essential. In order to take full advantage (full resolution) of DSD files you'll need to go into the Tambaqui with USB. The Tambaqui does sound great however with AES/EBU and S/PDIF.