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  3. 1085221789

Best Player or DAC: ceiling $3k

My primary system: Stax Omega Headphones with Stax 007 balanced tube headphone amp.I plan to use balanced interconnects. I listen to a wide variety of music. I am looking to buy a the best digital source without going much over $3000, though no need to go that high. I live in the hinterlands and cannot audition anything. Therefore, I am left to interpret the interpreters.I am unlikely to get into SACD,etc. My candidates on the used market:
-Kora Hermes II
-Balanced Audio Technology
-Audio Note Balanced 3.1
-Theta Gen V Balanced
-Meridian 508.24
-(New)- The Lector
Thanks
briansteffy
robertbrown
151 posts
 
Try MSB TECH their Gold link III is good but the platium series is world class but that will be over $3000 say $5000
these are S.S.
fatcataudio
107 posts
 
Simple one, Resolution Audio Opus 21. If you have no local dealer, please drop me a line.....
hassel
248 posts
 
You may include the Chord DAC 64 in your list. audiogon-member ljgj has it, as well as the Kora Hermes, as far as I remember, but says the Chord is by far the better one
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
For stock DAC's, the Electro ECD-1. Great out of the box, but imaging and sibilance could be improved. For modded DAC's, the Perpetual Technologies P-3A.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
Manufacturer
labtec
189 posts
 
I'm sure the above recommendations are great, but I'll throw out another option.

I just heard the Ack Dac for only about $500 and was very impressed. You could spend more, but there's little guarantee you will get better performance, especially a stock piece under $3k. A modded piece may be a better option if you are determined to spend more.

Of the items you listed though, I think the Meridian would be my choice.
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