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DAC Choices - $5,000 to $7,000

What are the current top DAC choices in the approximately $5-$7K price range (new or used) that I should look at as possible upgrades to my current Metrum Adagio?  Having an on-board volume control is not a factor as I can operate my system either way.   If I wanted to spend more I would look at Totaldac, Rockna Wavedream Signature, or one of the other top-end contenders, but I selected the price range to achieve a sound quality that is consistent with the rest of my system and because I don't want to spend more due to the still evolving nature of digital technology.  I do like the more natural sound (to my ears) of NOS R2R DACs.  So far, I have considered the three below, but none seem to be a slam-dunk upgrade from the Adagio, which still sounds pretty good in my system.  The decision is complicated by having to "buy to try" so that I can hear one in my system.  Maybe now is not the time for an upgrade.  Any thoughts?

  • Denafrips Terminator w/DSP board - Reportedly has the full body/dense tone type of sound I like, but also has a high'ish output impedance 
  • Holo May KTE - Reportedly measures great for an R2R DAC and has strong reviews 
  • Rockna Wavelight - Some reviewers like it but others put it in the middle of the pack for the price
mitch2
oldschool1948's avatar
oldschool1948
488 posts
 
I went from an Audio Mirror Tubadour III SE DAC to a PS Audio DirectStream DAC.  While the Tubadour is a very, very good DAC, the DirectStream DAC sounds closer to my analog rig; it is also smoother with more detail.  
mitch2 OP
3,691 posts
 
@rushfan71 , this is why it is so important to hear stuff for yourself.  Although you and a couple of reviewers indicate the Morpheus may have a touch more meat on the bones than the Adagio or Pavane, I have spoken with several others who have indicated they hear very little if any difference between the Morpheus and the Adagio.  I have heard from a couple of people, and from Granny's post below, that the Morpheus is thin sounding, and from one industry insider who recommends using a preamp or buffer with either the Morpheus or the two top Metrum DACs. 
My personal finding with both the Pavane and Adagio (both of which I have owned) is that they have good tone and detail but need a preamp or buffer to achieve the level of body I enjoy. I am hoping to find something with a similar level of tone, detail, and naturalness, but with a bit more body and weight.  It seems the Bricasti M3, Holo May KTE, and Mojo Mystique may provide this and also possibly the Rockna Wavelight and Terminator.   
more's avatar
more
3 posts
 
I just got the Hugo M Scaler and the chord Quest  it will give you sound 16 time better then cd you can get the 2 for $6000.00
I did not see any negative  review on those 2 the sound is unbelievable


extends its upscaling performance to 768kHz (from 96kHz input data) for our dual-BNC-input DACs: Qutest,
jriggy's avatar
jriggy
549 posts
 
All these DACs will give a different end sound out different systems, as most DACs I’ve heard have a frequency spectrum balance/presentation of their own. One more bottom end, one more top end, one having fuller mids or one having a slight dip in the upper mids/lower treble for smoothness or ‘no fatigue’. So if your system already has a slight beefy low end from preamp, amp or even room, the DAC with slight bit more low end may take you in the wrong direction..
I suppose this is true with every piece in a system...but I feel more DACs should strive to be even and linear, with little to no dips or humps in its frequency response and let us do all our personal ‘coloring’ in preamp, amp or speakers... The only one I’ve seen mentioned to be like this so far is the Mojo, as Grannyring has stated this detail here and similar in the EVO thread.. I’m sure there must be other DACs with this evenhanded approach, right?
I also wish more DACs had a dang vol control. The May comes with vol buttons on the remote that are not functional...yet? Makes me wonder if vol control function will be added to it (or a second edition May) in the future.
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