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Looking for a DAC change

Right now I'm using a Wavelength Audio Cosine DAC in my headphone system. It's partnered with an Electrocompaniet EMC-1 as transport; I'm using this because it's what I already had, it makes a good transport and to keep as a backup CDP. The WA Cosine is a zero-sampling filterless tubed DAC. For the most part I really enjoy it, especially with headphones. However, my one complaint is that it sounds a little slow and undynamic. At times it's just doesn't draw me into the music. So I'd like to explore a few other options. Based on what I'm looking for do you have any recommendations for DACs or even one box CDPs I should demo? Something very smooth yet dynamic with good energy. I could be very happy with the WA Cosine, but the dynamics issue keeps cropping up in my listening.

I thought of the Chord DAC. For one box players I've tried the RA Opus 21 and it's great, but sounds more electronic than the WA Cosine and is not as dimensional. I also thought of Naim, but may have the same issues there, though the dynamic drive would increase. The EMC-1 is fine too, but I prefer the Opus 21 over it. I tried the Reimyo DAC, but would prefer not to pay that much (less than $3500). Please feel free to make any suggestions.

Anyway, thank! Happy listening.
budrew
bigkidz
3,444 posts
 
What power cord did you use with the Opus? I tried it with a Shunyata black mamba and it was one of the sweetest CDPs I have heard. The Waida 861 basic was better, more refined sounding. The Chord DAC 64 is an excellent DAC and it will sound clearer that the Electro CDP but the Electro will still have one of the widest soundstages. You also might see if you can find a Tube Technology DAC 64 also. Then there is always the excellent Audio Logic 24MXL which is better than the Wavelength in all areas.

Happy Listening.
jwaugh
103 posts
 
Based on what I see of your impressions so far (which seem to parallel my own), I would suggest you try any of the Audio Note DACs that use 6922 tubes or perhaps the one-box audio aero offerings. Both are quite musical but still well-balanced...

hope you enjoy them,
Jacob
budrew OP
467 posts
 
I actually have an Audio Note DAC in my main system. I've tried it with
the headphone system and it accomplishes what I'm looking for, but it
also is too forward for headphone listening where it comes across as
truly in your face. So I'm probably walking a fine line here, looking for
something more than the WA and less than the AN. I wonder if tube
rolling the WA would help with what I'm looking for?

If possible with one box players I'd like to avoid top-loaders. I'm sure
the Audio Aero would fit the bill except for that.

Bigkidz, I've often read that the Wadia is on the clinical side of things,
but there are also a few comments I've that say it's warm and musical.
What is the fundamental sonic character of the 861? I have heard with
my own ears powercords make an improvement with the Opus 21.
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