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DAC Upgrade

I currently using a Bryston BDA-1 DAC and although it is a pretty good DAC, I want to upgrade to a 2r2 DAC. I recently purchased a Jays Audio cdt2 mk.ll transport and it is exceptional. My budget is in the $2,000 range and after careful review, I have narrowed the list to Schitts-Yagdrasil, Denafrips-Pontus and Holo Spring 2 level 2(new). Unfortunately, It is difficult to compare the three of them side by side, so I have to rely on expert reviews. I am looking for a DAC that is transparent, extended but smooth highs, 3D midrange and tight bass. My equipment is Prima Luna Prologue Pre Amp, Prima Luna Dialogue HP Amp and Silverline Sonata Mk.III speakers. Any thoughts?
cavy

Showing 1 response by audiotroy

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,588 posts
 
OP you should check out the recent review of the Ifi Dsd pro, which was compared to the Yaggy and the Holosprings, Herb Richert was blown away by the Ifi which has a big warm sound.

We read the review and have requested a sample from Ifi.

If you check out the Sixmoons review and the What Hif review this sound like a true giant killer for $2,500.00

https://www.stereophile.com/content/ifi-audio-pro-idsd-da-processorheadphone-amplifier

It sounds like what you are describing to a tee. I am looking for a DAC that is transparent, extended but smooth highs, 3D midrange and tight bass.


"In previous reviews I’ve praised the HoloAudio Spring "Kitsuné Tuned Edition" Level 3 and Mytek’s Manhattan II for precisely those traits. I can now add the Pro iDSD to this short list of DACs that recover an enjoyable illusion of dense bodies playing music.

I’ve also noticed that audiophile DACs vary widely in their ability to transmit a believably natural-feeling transparency. My beloved HoloAudio Spring reproduces empty spaces that feel completely and uniquely nondigital, and that surround performers with a sense of breathable air that makes the forms of those dense bodies seem more three-dimensionally there. While the Pro iDSD’s air didn’t feel quite as naturally oxygenated, the iFi did consistently surpass the HoloAudio Spring in generating expansive soundstages that directed my attention toward the positions and corporeality of the performers and/or their instruments. This dramatic, wide-open clarity was the Pro iDSD’s most distinguishing characteristic.

Bottom line: iFi Audio’s Pro iDSD lived up to the hyperbole of its owner’s manual. It did actually play music like "a ’state of the art’ reference digital to analog converter." It did indeed sound like "an all-out assault" on what is possible in DACs today . . . and it did both of those good things at a ridiculously low price. Highly recommended."


Read more at https://www.stereophile.com/content/ifi-audio-pro-idsd-da-processorheadphone-amplifier-page-2#8xxPGm...

Herbs references are the Yaggy, the Mytek, the Holo so this review might be the perfect thing.

and for our detractors NO WE ARE NOT IFI DEALERS AT THIS TIME.

We read the review and were really impressed by Herbs findings for such an inexpensive little dac.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ




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