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Best natural, musical DAC under $3K?

I've been using a Oppo HA-1 headphone amp/DAC in my system and for $1200 no doubt it's an excellent value in the Oppo tradition. As a DAC it had good detail, handled complex passages well, but sounded a bit staged and unnatural to my ears especially in the upper registers.

Of course I'd have to up quite a bit in price, but for under $3K what's your recommendation for "natural" "correct" "organic" "musical" DAC that would do at least partial justice to my just in Verity Parsifal speakers?

So far my top three contenders are:

1) Chord Hugo
2) Wyred4Sound SE
3) Cary Audio 100-T

Any clear choice here? Am I missing something obvious?

Thanks!
larrybou
8lanair
19 posts
 
The PS Audio PWD MK11 can be bought for under $3K.
I just got one from Underwood HiFi here on Audiogon.
The DSD is over the $3k tho...
soix
10,043 posts
 
There is a Bel Canto 3.5 VBS for sale in your price range. I had the 3.0 VBS in my system and it exhibits all the characteristics you listed in spades and I believe would work superbly with your Parsifals. The 3.5 VBS has been reviewed against some of the best DACs extant and more than held its own, and I'd recommend jumping on this without hesitation. Best of luck in whatever you end up with.
wisnon
700 posts
 
Amber lampi is under $2K with DSD and gucci caps.
larrybou OP
130 posts
 
I ended up purchasing the Wadia Intuition 01. Fully integrated unit with DAC, preamp, and 200 watt amp. Originally $7500 but I paid much less. Was either going to get active speakers and a DAC or all in one electronics plus passives. The deal on the Wadia was too good to pass up.

It sounded fantastic in the showroom with some high end Sonus Fabers. There's a similar all in one Nuforce just released called the Nuprime which is getting rave reviews from a couple of early adopters for under $2500.
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