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Need help choosing a new DAC

With so many options for DACs these days, I'm having a hard time deciding on a new DAC.  Currently considering a MHDT Orchid or Pagoda, Denafrips Pontus II, Benchmark DAC3,  Schitt Yggdrasil, or Audio Mirror Tubadour III SE.  I don't need any options such as volume control, BT, or MQA.  I also prefer musicality over measurements.  I'm currently using a SMSL SU-9, which will be moved over to my office system.  I'm tired of moving it back and forth between systems. My bank account prefers the cost of the Orchid since the other options cost up to twice as much, but I can go as high as $2500.  I mostly steam Qobuz thru a Raspberry Pi 4, but also use a Cambridge Audio CXC v2 CD transport on occasion.  My preamp is a Don Sachs DS2 tube preamp going into a D-Sonic m3a-1200s amp feeding "Gunned" MMGs.  I mostly listen to the Grateful Dead, rock, jazz, and acoustic music. Which DAC should I get and are the any others I should look at? 

terrapin77

Showing 1 response by yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara
4,459 posts
 

A warm low-ish cost DAC is the Gustard X26 Pro. I owned it for a while and loved it.

I also owned the AudioMirror (top model). It was pretty good but I preferred the Gustard for my warm DAC types.

I currently own the Benchmark DAC3B. It just does the job and I like having it around. It is a little hot on top. I was told by someone with some audio experience that the DAC3B is a little shy on the bass and that makes the top seem hotter.

The best DAC I own is the Musetec 005, ($2965 - $3300). It has the perfect warmth, detail, and really dense sound. I would like to get a second 005 to replace the rather good Topping D90SE DAC in my living room system.

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