Looking for a new DAC


 

Looking for dac recommendations

I have been slowly doing major upgrades to my system and now it’s time for a better dac.

Current system

Modwright KWH 225i integrated

Magnepan 3.7i speakers

Rotel RCD-1572 cd player

Will not be upgrading these anytime soon

 

Need upgrading

Schiit Modius dac

WiiM Ultra streamer (considering the Aurender N200)

Looking for a dac that will complement the Modwright and Magnepans.

 

Below is a few suggestions I have received but not sure how they will sound with my system.

T+A DAC 200

Gold Note DS-10 EVO

Laiv Harmony

Weiss DAC 204

 

ice812

Since you mentioned that you may upgrade your streamer I should share this.  I was auditioning streamers to put upstream of my Holo May DAC.  I narrowed the search to Aurender and Innuos.  They were both excellent in their own ways but what came out of the May DAC was a VERY different sound signature between the two streamers.  My experience was that the streamer will affect the sound signature of the DAC much more than one might think!  Good luck and cheers.

You might consider the Bryston BDA 31.4 DAC.  That also has a built in streamer based on the MPD technology.  Roon ready I believe and should work with Ardivarna server as well. 

I'm so far hearing the Terminator 15th is fine without a DDC, as it already comes with extremely capable Dual OCXO (oven controlled crystal oscillators). 

@vthokie83  Good point.  I just read someone here got the new Laiv DDC and found it to make a significant improvement with his T2 that I believe also uses an OCXO clock although not sure it’s as good as those used in the 15th so something to explore.  I also saw someone recently replaced their Harmony DAC with the LTA Aero DAC that he much preferred, and since I forgot to mention the LTA earlier I just wanted to circle back with that as another potential option.  FWIW. 

@ice812 

Modwright is awesome gear I would consider going with Dan for the Weiss and Modwrights power supply…that he sells…

‘also the Magna HiFi Mano Ultra MkIII now the 5 with the separate Farad power supply is a great streamer I love mine..