Poor man's reference DAC


I am looking for a DAC in the $3000 range to match with my system. I am hoping for a reference DAC that I can later add a transport to once the funds are available. I know this price point is a little light for a reference DAC but it is what I can afford. I was going to buy the Birdland Odeon Ag with reclocker but once you open the door you start to find other items. I am interested in other views so I can start researching these DACs. The newest item I have read about is the Harmonix DAP-777. Very favorable reviews. Anything else out there that I should think about?

I have the following set-up:

Rowland Synergi IIi preamp
Rowland M201 mono amps
Meridian 588 CD player
CAL CL-10 multi disc player
B & W Nautalus 802 speakers
Audio Note Cerulean cables
Audio Magic power conditioners

I listen to vocalists mostly and accustic music. All reply are appreciated.
bryanhod

Showing 1 response by duke_49

Buy a RME ADI-2 and use battery power. I blows away everything, believe me!!!! It's a DAC for studio use, looks ugly /like a toy --- but it's fantastic. In the states it costs about 640 bucks, so nobody would ever take a look at it. In combination with my Teac P2-s it sounds pure analog and best detailed I've ever heared. A friend having a LFD DAC by Dr. Richard Brews and Tannoy Westminster first tested the ADI - only accidentally. He looked anaemic after listening....
Disadvantage: Only XLR analog outputs. Greetinx from Germany, Hendrik