And they'll say the 10K ones "punch" much, much higher or multiples above. : )
reviewers have said punches in the 10 K level
Would you please provide links to the reviews wherein reviewers said it punches in the $10k level?
Best DACs under $7,000.00
I'm tentatively beginning the search for a DAC upgrade. Currently, I have Innuos Zen MK3 as a streamer connected via USB to a Denafrips Iris DDC that is connected via I2S to a Denafrips Pontus II DAC. The Pontus II is excellent but I feel it's the one point where I could gain incremental improvement toward that illusive natural, layered, analog end-of-the-rainbow. I simply can't / won't spend above $5,000.00 - $7,000.00 on the DAC. The rest of my system: top-of-line Prima Luna Evo 400 Integrated Amp and a set of Harbeth speakers. Right now, I'm looking at Denafrips Terminator II or Holo Audio May DAC. I've never seen an a/b comparison of these two, but both stand out and have a following. Of course, the unsettling thing is DACs have evolved so much and are still in a blooming state technologically, making it a given that whatever we have today will probably be surpassed by better for less later, like electric vehicles. But that's the nature of the beast. Does anyone have alternative suggestions in this current climate?
Showing 5 responses by david_ten
@gregjacob Have you considered upgrading your network player? You can improve upon your Innuos and have a few options in the 5-7K range, more if you consider used units. |
@niodari The server / network player / transport / DAC all contribute. In other words, not just the preamp and amp. |
@w123ale Some words of caution. Ask yourself: do DAC designers build DACs with the express purpose to deliver small soundstages, poor dynamics, and high glare? The divergent results you’ve shared suggest you pull up and reflect on your entire system and the elements that may be behind what you are reporting. It’s understandable and reasonable to want a unit of one to solve our ’problems’ or deliver what we want. You’ll get much further by addressing the larger picture. Wishing you success.
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@verdantaudio Scott, Hmm.... believing in Santa... troubling. |