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Poor man's reference DAC

I am looking for a DAC in the $3000 range to match with my system. I am hoping for a reference DAC that I can later add a transport to once the funds are available. I know this price point is a little light for a reference DAC but it is what I can afford. I was going to buy the Birdland Odeon Ag with reclocker but once you open the door you start to find other items. I am interested in other views so I can start researching these DACs. The newest item I have read about is the Harmonix DAP-777. Very favorable reviews. Anything else out there that I should think about?

I have the following set-up:

Rowland Synergi IIi preamp
Rowland M201 mono amps
Meridian 588 CD player
CAL CL-10 multi disc player
B & W Nautalus 802 speakers
Audio Note Cerulean cables
Audio Magic power conditioners

I listen to vocalists mostly and accustic music. All reply are appreciated.
bryanhod
mejames
986 posts
 
sell your preamp and buy Wadia 27ix and use its volume control
krell_man
827 posts
 
I really like my Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista 21 DAC. It's notches above my old Conrad-Johnson D/A-3, which was notches above my Theta Gen. III.
bigkidz
3,335 posts
 
Audio Logic beats them all.

Happy Listening.
nighthawk
259 posts
 
Have you heard the Meridian G08 CD player? You might like it better than a DAC. I haven't heard the 588 but others have said the G08 is quite a step up from the 588. I am using the G08 with a Rowland Synergy IIi and Model 10 and the combination is wonderful. The tonality is near perfect, with a great 3D soundstage, and it has high resolution without sacrificing dynamics (rare). It is a really well balanced player that is easy to live with.
jwells
60 posts
 
For 3k, you should be able to find a used Audiomeca Enkianthus X DAC. I own one, and I find it to be a fantastic performer.
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