I auditioned the Gungnir Multibit and PS Audio NuWave DSD in my system. Both are very dynamic but I preferred the PS Audio due to its more organic and natural presentation of classical music. It uses a programable chip similar to the high-end PS Audio DACs, plus it will accept hirez.
Showing 5 responses by lowrider57
Music Direct offers a 60 day home trial and Schiit offers 14 days. The problem with Schiit is that 14 days is barely enough time to break in the unit, plus they charge a restocking fee. All DACs are different and all systems are different, so it does take time. Posting on this forum can narrow the selection of DACs, but audition is still the best way to choose. |
If you are interested in a R2R ladder DAC, there was a lot of buzz on the forum about the HOLO Audio – Spring DAC. Some say it beats both the Schiit Gumby and Yggy. The Level 2 version is modded and priced at $1899, the Level 3 is $2499. (I have no first hand knowledge). https://kitsunehifi.com/product/springdacred/ https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/holo-audio-spring-dac-affordable-discrete-r2r-multibit-dac-co... |
I owned the Chord Qute EX and found it's performance to be excellent. The Chord 2Qute is the upgraded model. The reproduction of music was so realistic and open and did very well in revealing micro-dynamics. The only flaw was the lack of low-end extension (Chord Qute EX), but this was due to the use of a SMPS wall-wart. The 2Qute also uses this power supply, so I would imagine that it has the same problem. The Chord gains the bass extension and more weight to the music with the addition of a linear power supply. The Gumby has a wider soundstage and may have better extension at both ends, but to me, does not sound as organic as the Chord. |
Audio GD is supposed to be very good also but if we check spec the R2R ladder resistors in audio GD are 0,1% precision (DA M1 modules) but Ares has 0.01% resistors and the top Denafrips models even use 0,005% resistor ladders.The Ares gets some very good user reviews. But as noted at Head-Fi, the Ares uses many small capacitors in its design... http://www.head-fi.org/t/833690/denafrips-ares-r2r-discrete-ladder-dac-close-up-view |