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Best used or new DAC under $3500

What would be the best DAC for under $3500, new or used? I currently use the Chord Dave and I LOVE it. However, I'm looking to downgrade to save some dough. Some reference points:

1) Yggdrasil:  Sold it as the staging was too narrow/flat and it seemed a little lifeless
2) Ayre QB-9 DSD: Feel its a bit too bright/tizzy - at this point I'm done trying Sabre DACs.

Can anyone recommend a DAC that is not a mainstream sabre chip based DAC? I dont mind it if its an older generation or vintage DAC either - Just something I can get for under $3500. I don't want a discussion to defend Sabre DACs please.

Thanks!

jozurr

Showing 1 response by wharfy

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wharfy
298 posts
 
Jozurr-
I am a month into enjoying a Holo Spring level 3 DAC. In my system (Audio Research, Aurender and ProAc) this DAC has great 3D soundstage and detail without sounding overly bright and analytical. It has NOS and 3 oversampling features. Price-wise, it is well within your budget.

https://www.audiostream.com/content/holo-audio-spring-dac-level-3-kitsune-tuned-edition
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