Help me pick a Dac


Budget 4000

I currently have the latest version of the Bluesound Node and a PS Audio Stellar Gaincell Dac for the digital Frontend. I stream qobuz and flac from a networked drive.
The rest of system is a Backert Lab Rhumba 1.3 , Schiit aiger monos and Zu soul 6 speakers. Also have a Nottingham horizon turntable, Hana cart and Lehman Cube phono pre. I think the modest tt sounds more natural and holographic compared to my digital frontend so I think I can do better.
Also I’m pretty isolated as far as audio goes so I’ve only heard my own system and likely will have buy without an audition.

Stu

 

 

stu20

Im currently running a Node 2.1 with PSU upgrade and had the Gain Cell for quite a while before switching to an Pontus II as my DAC. This was a very nice upgrade. Also added an ARC LS25 II and have improved my sound considerably.

Just a correction regarding the post above from @woots, the Lumin T2 is not a current model. They've had the improved model T3 which has been out for some time. https://www.luminmusic.com/lumin-t3.html

Gold Note DS10 EVO with separate PSU 10 EVO.  Must be the EVO version of the power supply.  Around $4000.  Best bargain in digital

I'm running a Bluesound Node 2i moded with a TeddyPardo Linear Power Supply; the power supply upgrade made a significant improvement.  The problem with the higher end streamers for me is their OS lack of support for many streaming services.  I  use Amazon HD and Idagio and can't find one that supports these,  however the BluOS does.  I'm using a PS Audio Directstream DAC Mk1; prior to that I had a Stellar Gain Cell dac; big improvement with the Directstream.  From everything I'm reading,  the Mk2 is even better. Another one to consider,  if the Mk2 is not in your budget,  is the new Stellar Gold DAC.  I  purchased the new Stellar Gold Preamp and am very happy with it, and the Stellar Gold Preamp is getting great reviews.