New DAC, what should I look for?


I currently have a PSA DirectStream Mk1 (modified with APS output transformers and external power supply). Nothing wrong with it at all, but it's the oldest components I have and I'm thinking I may want to try something different. Budget is  ~5k used

 

The sound profile that I'm looking for is smooth and spacious. Yes, details are nice, but I can compromise somewhat on that to gain smoothness and spaciousness.

 

The rest of my system consists of PureAudioProject Trio15Classic driven by MasterSound Compact 845. Streamer is Holo Audio Red and Small Green Computer i7 is taking care of the Roon/HQPlayer duties. All cables are Silversmith

audiojan

@texasblues1959 Just like there's people saying you can't hear the difference between cables, or between amps for that matter... everyone's entitled to their opinion.

You can get a Excellent Denafrips Terminator15- upgraded Terminstor 12thPlus  dac for That  price New and sounds Very good a Big 42 lbs true R2R dac.i sell them PT 

but just do your own homework these were $7200 last year. Even better today.

if you are looking at price ,performance, price Delivered in stock 

compare anything  in its price class that is delivered for this price and in stock.i own one myself with another great dac in my other system.

 

I'm not sure about the Mojo... PCM only and no DSD support. Maybe I'm overthinking it, but I see that as a limitation. Same goes for the LTA

Most DACs don’t do native DSD and convert it to PCM anyway.  I know T+A is one that does native DSD. 

@texasblues1959  that is the right mindset but apparently we have super human hearing every time we spend more

I second the recommendation for T+A 200 DAC. It's just unbeatable at that price for DSD performance and sounds pretty amazing with an added advantage of an analog preamp built in.