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Experience with good d/s DACs “comparable@ to R2R?

Sorry for opening a can here… but am in the market for a dac upgrade. Something under 1k with a capable output. I’d been hunting r2r for some time, but also learning that d/s with good topology and output stage can supply those extra fuzzies, paired properly.
I’m currently running an Airist Audio r2r, sounds really nice. But also crave more speed, impact, revelation and clarity. Also gets a bit congested at complex passages. Not to mention more inputs (including I2s as considering a Pi2AES) to future proof and supply output options. R2R is wonderful, but gets pricey. I know there’s dDenafrips Ares ii, Musician Audio, Audio GD, Bifrost 2, etc. but have now been eying Topping d70s for it dual akm’s and juicy XLR output voltage. It’s claimed to sound “organic” while accurate, get out of the way kind of presentation.
Anyway, curious about POV relative to experiences in this price range. Greatly value anyone’s perspective and experience on these or any other dacs 🙏🏼

system:

Allo Digione transport (streaming and usb storage)
Airist r2r dac
Creek Evolution 50a
Quad S2’s



riccitone

Showing 1 response by yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara
4,470 posts
 
The Gustard X26 Pro is $1500 and goes on sale for $1350. It is my best DAC and the following review is spot on from my perspective.

The One to Beat: Gustard X26 PRO DAC Review (soundnews.net)

My other DACs are the following:

- Benchmark DAC3B
- Topping D90Se
- KRELL K-300i integrated amp internal DAC

The Gustard is better than all the above and can be adjusted to sound different using NOS/OS mode and 4 filters for each.

One day I will try to find a better DAC than the Gustard but that will cost me  a lot more money.
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