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DAC upgrade, new or used, $1000

I am looking for suggestions from the Audiogon community for a DAC upgrade.

My system is; Classe CT-2300 amp, Classe CP-800 preamp, Focal Profile 918 speakers TEAC-CDP650 CD player/transport, TEAC UD301 DAC, Bluesound node 2i, Mac computer for downloaded music.

I listen to jazz and classical using downloads, CDs and streaming qobuz,

I have compared the DAC in the CP-800 vs UD301 using the same source (CD player) and the UD301 sounds better. I have compared the DAC in the UD301 vs node 2i using the same source (streaming qobuz) and the node 2i sounds better.

The DAC in the node 2i is not accessible to my other components but the node 2i has an optical out to bypass the DAC in the node 2i, so I need suggestions for a DAC upgrade.

DAC can be new or used and I have a max of $1000 to spend, WSF (Wife Spending Factor)

Thank you for any suggestions.



128x1282tuby

Showing 1 response by big_greg

big_greg
6,554 posts
 
You should be able to find a MHDT Labs Orchid used for under your budget, or stretch it just a little to get a new one.  The Mytek Liberty is a decent DAC.  The Orchid is more neutral and "organic" (analog like?) while the Liberty is going to sound more "digital" and perhaps a little more detailed (some might call it "bright").  I prefer the Orchid.  No experience with the other DACs mentioned. 

I'm surprised at your finding that the Node 2 DAC sounds better than the Teac.  The DAC in the 2i is pretty decent, but will be bested by a lot of standalone DACs.
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