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Advice on a budget R2R DAC

Last year I had to change my computer and since my new Imac did not have a firewire output, I had to change my DAC as well. After reading quite a bit on the topic, I decided on a Benchmark DAC 1, thinking that it made sense to replace a studio converter with another device designed for this same application. The Benchmark plays better than my old one (Motus 828), but when I listen to my turntable (which is rare), I immediately see the difference, even with an inexpensive cartridge (Ortofon OM20). My Altec 620A are quite revealing in the midrange and, contrary to what I’ve read on several occasions, the Benchmark is NOT transparent, at least not in my system. It’s also NOT musical. It sounds like a laboratory instrument. The sound is so amorphous that it doesn’t elicit any emotion. It is reminiscent of the sound of some Japanese amps from the 1970s which made excessive use of feedback to lower distorsion level. The sound isn’t bad, it’s just boring. So I decided to change my converter once again. After reading a lot on Audiogon and updating myself on what’s new, I’m keen to give R2R a try.

Here are my criteria:

- 1,5k (used)
- No tube (my equipment is always on)
- R2R
- no need for DSD (I listen to wav, aiff, mp3, etc.)
- no need for balanced inputs
- no need for volume (or headphone amp)

Converters that I consider :

- Holo Audio Cyan
- Metrum Amethyst
- Mojo Audio Mystique V2

Equipment used:

Speakers: Altec 620A
Amp: Sugden A25B
Cables: Audioquest
Computer: Imac 2017
Media player: JRiver 22
thx...
128x128alaindexe

Showing 2 responses by decooney

decooney
1,900 posts
 
Schiit Modi "Multibit" select version (drop down list option) for $249 is claimed by Schiit to also be a R-2R Ladder design DAC. I emailed them and asked, is it truly a R-2R Ladder DAC?, and they confirmed, "yes", fwiw.

Multiple type chips used for different parts of the circuit reviewing a video of the top and bottom of the board. Only in Silver color for now, lower SNR than upper end models. "Budget" you say, hard to beat and made in the USA.

A friend just ordered one this week for his first tube system, and they are backordered a bit til Feb 4th. Hope to test out after its well burned in.

decooney
1,900 posts
 
@alaindexe 

With your restated budget of $1.2k, you have a good chance of securing a nice unit.  If you'd consider something like @jjss49 suggested, Metrum Acc, or others used (second hand) for less than half the cost, you could wind up with a really nice DAC that way too.  If you buy it right 2nd hand and don't like it, the really good units can be easier to resale later if you want to upgrade again for some reason.      

Not required, but one reason some are also suggesting a "tube" DAC is you can further fine tune the sound if you want to make it ever smoother or more laid back -or- more detailed, transparent, or more forward sounding - with the change of a low cost tube. There are several other "DAC" threads on Agon to study as well.  As you are, It's worth hunting the right DAC for yourself and your particular system.  A good DAC can help you to further appreciate your Sugden amp and Altec speakers even more.  Good Luck.   
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