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another thread on DACS/players...thoughts please

Looking to upgrade my digital front end...now PS Audio Perfect wave d/t...it sounds pretty good on the transport mode using I2S; but the DAC alone on my Qsonix server falls a bit short.
Units I'd like to consider:
Ayon CD-5S; tubed dac integrated preamp and transport
Accoustic Arts DAC mark IV
Weiss DAC 202; but none of my connections are Firewire; which is how many feels it sounds best
dCs Puccinni
Playback Design
Berkeley alpha
I'd like to try to eliminate my preamp; if the dac can run directly into amp with volume control. Only sources are transport; Qsonix digital music server; and Directv and Oppo 95 for combined home theater...no analog...amps are Bryston 28sst's...so this list is a mix of tubed dacs and ss...
Looking for something close to SOTA while keeping budget more upper real world of around $10-12k...presently using Purist audio aes digital cable
Thanks for chiming in; and enjoy the holiday weekend..

I'd like to hear from folks who have gone through this exercise before me; to learn from their evaluation process. I do have the Ayon piece being shipped for their two week in home audition; not arrived yet..
mribob

Showing 1 response by mribob

mribob OP
229 posts
 
to Teajay; and the other responders, many thanks for your suggestions and research.
I do need a dac to process the high res downloads; and prefer a volume control and remote control to allow switching sources, which seems to eliminate the AA tubed dac.
I'd like to have one integrated unit if possible; but a quality dac and transport are always possible if priced right.
Might also want to add an addtional new dac to the list;
Meitner MA-1 DAC; listed by Perrota consulting in Ct; description sounds interesting; and it's a bit less than dCs, and Playback Design...anyone heard or played with this unit?
picking up the Ayon tomorrow; more after a brief audition...thanks again for the comments.
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