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Proper DAC Upgrade for my modest system.

Looking for some advice from people with lots more experience then me

My local dealer has recommended the RME ADI-2 DAC, or the New NAD 658. Buying a DAC is "hard". But was looking for some veterans thoughts. The NAD I could replace the Yamaha Streamer and get some money back.

Anyone have an opinion of the Wadia 122 DAC? I got one on clearance so decided to pull the trigger, its 100% better then the Parasound zDac Gen 1 I was running, but making sure for around the $1200 ( My budget ) price point I am making the right buy.

System is WXC Streamer --> Wadia 122 DAC -->AVR/Pre-Amp - B&K 125.7 Bi amped to KEF R11’s via Rocket 44’s.

I use Tidal for all content - I don’t do anything other then stream Tidal and some Apple Music if certain songs / albums are not on Tidal. Some day I might progress into "higher res" but the cost of files seems a low ROI vs Tidal at the moment.

Appreciate everyone’s insight on this topic.
128x128crock442

Showing 2 responses by mzkmxcv

mzkmxcv
777 posts
 
RME is very solid.

I would say room treatment would lead to a sonic upgrade that’s magnitudes better than any other thing you can do with your budget.

Quad PA-One
Their tag line:

the closest approach to the original sound
And it’s a tube DAC, so a completely BS statement, tubes by their very nature deviate from the original sound.

mzkmxcv
777 posts
 
AKM chips seem to be more "Relaxed" then some of the ESS Chips


No, they are very similar in terms of native performance. However, maybe these reviews were in regards to specific products using such chips.

As for the Wadia, looks pretty good, the dynamic range spec is pretty poor for the price though ($100 DACs are >110dB), but I doubt it’s an audible difference, seeing as how even 96dB is better than most rooms allow.
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