Recommend me a DAC under 3k


Hi All,

Long time reader, first time poster!

I’m expanding my all-analog system to add a proper digital front end and would like recommendations for a DAC to connect to my Wiim pro plus.


Listening Habits:

I primarily listen to LPs, but appreciate the convenience and discoverability that digital provides. I don’t have a digital music library and only stream via Tidal and Spotify. My 2-channel system does double duty as a sound system for our TV as well.


Requirements:

  • All-in <= $3k
  • Prioritizes sound quality above all else
  • Streaming supports Tidal Connect directly or via some other protocol
  • TosLink Input (for casual TV)


Personal Preferences:

  • When tuning components in my system, I’ve preferred ones that are more detailed/transparent rather than overly warm/harmonic. E.g. Telefunken over Amperex or Mullard. Duelund CAST over AN copper.
  • Realistic tone/timbre, soundstage, micro-detail, and impactful bass are important to me.


Currently under consideration:

  • Denafrips Pontus II 12th
  • Denafrips Venus II
  • Schiit Yggdrasil
  • ANK DAC 4.1x (with Duelund caps, etc)
  • Gustard R26


The rest of my system is as follows:

  • CSS 2TD-x tower speakers (neutral with some mid-bass warmth)
  • ANK EL34 35W Monoblocks
  • ANK L5 Mentor Preamp
  • ANK L3 Phono V2
  • Mofi Ultradeck with Master Tracker cartridge
  • Richard Gray 600RM Pro Power Conditioner
kuhyay

Showing 4 responses by tvrgeek

Even Jason suggests the Bifrost 2/64 is a match for the Iggy. 

Do not overlook less expensive units. Of everything I have had in my system, my cheap JDS Atom+ has been the best overall.  ( $99)  I too am looking at the Enyo (Aries with new price) Mojo II, Qutest, or maybe a newer top line Delta Sigma like the SMSL DO300, Topping, Gustard X18 etc. 

My focus is 90% on female vocal smoothness. Don't care about bass "
weight" or some magical details in imaging and air that were not on the recording to start with. I focus on what I do hear reliably. There are a lot of expansive DACs, but are they really better than what you get for $1600?  "$700? or even $99?  Do we want "clean" or the masking from an R2R? Masking from a tube?  ( Or do we want that masking to be in a preamp?   Lots of choices. 

Upgrade the power cord. Yea, a 49 cent ferrite on the cord and it is as good as physics allows it, if and only if you have an RF pickup problem in the first case which almost no one has anyway.  I suggest spending the money on the DAC, not on magic.

Update: 

My high end dealer suggests the Qutest has the detail but without the issues from a chip based Delta Sigma.  R2R are known for not a lot of detail, but smoother. 

Tubes are now what yo want for detail, They add the distortions for that smoother midrange. I might like them, but from your description probably not. 

Schiit says the 2/64 is more detailed than the original, but still in the R2R scope.  For a lark, Amazon yourself a DO300 just to see if you want to go that way. You may be surprised, or not. 

Technology and mass production have moved fast so this years CH-FI for $500 may stomp a two year old esoteric DAC.   Your ears of course. Your brain may tell you that no way a cheep box is going to sound good in your very nice system. The brein wins every time over reality. 

Do not be swayed by arrogant, "must be exotic or it is junk" posters any more than the SINAD chasers. Use your own ears in your system. 

As there are clear preferences in sound from the many DACs mentioned, that kind of confirms you need to listen to your taste.   "Correct " may not mask bad recordings as some euphonic distortion will, so your choice. 

The Schiit Gungnir is OBE. They have the Bifrost and Yggdrasil for multibit. 

I do not think RMEs are available with the AKM. They claim their ESS sounds the same.  Execution seems to mean a lot more than the chip. 

 

Forgot to mention Benchmark. By their WEB, they seem to have tackled most if not all the known issues. Digital cliping, power supplies, great output etc.