DAC for Hegel/Thiel System
I'm searching for a DAC in the $5k and under price range to use the DAC loop feature of my Hegel 390 integrated. I have Thiel 2.7 speakers. I typically stream using the Hegel. I'm also using the DAC in the Hegel 390. Everyone says the system sounds great, but as you might expect, it is very accurate, crisp, neutral and sometimes borders on fatiguing depending on the music. I am torn between the highly acclaimed Hegel D50 DAC and the LTA Aero. The LTA would introduce tubes into the chain, a feature many Thiel fans prefer. I'm not married to these two choices, so any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
As it happens I have an H390 and am also currently DAC shopping, although I will not be using the DAC loop, as I play CDs via a Jay’s transport. BTW, there is nothing fatiguing about the AKM DAC in the Hegel. It anything, it is somewhat rolled off on top. Neither is the 390 fatiguing. Are you sure you’re looking in the right place for an upgrade?
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I'm very happy with the Hegel that I added last November. I also added a REL 812 sub and some room acoustic panels, both of which improved the sound. I'm searching based on what I've read about the internal Hegel DAC. Sounds like most think it is good but not great. I would probably call off the search before I would part with the Thiels, but the Thiel/Hegel combination maybe a little much for some types of music. I have considered Denafrips, LIAV Harmony, Hegel D50 and LTA Aero. I'd lean toward Hegel but for the price. The DAC would be more than I paid for the amp. |
Keep in mind that although their components use tubes, LTA's designs are not designed to be "tubey" in the old fashioned sense. That being said, the Twittering Machines reviewer wrote a column on tube rolling with the Aero that might interest you: https://twitteringmachines.com/review-linear-tube-audio-aero-dac-part-2-tube-rolling/
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