Thinking of buying a new DAC - Shiit Yggdrasil?


Looking for some advice regarding a new DAC.  Currently, I have a Gustard x20u with all of the Rick Schultz upgrades.  I like it, it's a very nice sound.  I recently upgraded to Acoustic Zen cables throughout--nice improvement.  I also have a Primaluna Dialogue HP Integrated amp (only RCA connectors).  I have the urge to upgrade the DAC as I'm now feeling it's the weakest link in my system.  My budget is around $2500.  I was leaning toward buying the Holo Audio Spring KTE, but that's a bit over my budget.  I've read a lot about the Shiit Yggdrasil Analogue 2 and am leaning that way.  There are also a few used for sale here on Audiogon.  :)     My question to the forum is, do you think the Yggdrasil would be a significant upgrade in sound quality?

Thank you for your help with this decision!!!

My system:
Bryston BDP-1 (used with Roon from my desktop computer)
miniDSP SHD (for Dirac room correction)
Gustard x20u with EVS mods
Oppo 105 with EVS mods
Primaluna Dialogue HP Integrated Amp
Kimber Kabel D60 BNC
Acoustic Zen Absolute 75 coax
Acoustic Zen Matrix II interconnect
Acoustic Zen Hologram II Speaker Cables
Furman Elite 20 PFi power conditioner
100% Pangea Power Cords
smills59

Showing 2 responses by smills59

I thought I would, and I appreciate the options given.  I did look at the Terminator, but way out of my price range and used ones just don't appear often.  Wondering if anyone has tried both the Gustard x20u and the Yggy.  Or anyone have an opinion of the Gustard x20 alone?

Thanks, everyone!  This is a great place to get expert, experienced advice.
I made the plunge and purchased one of the Yggys for sale here on Audigon.  What a great seller!  I did look at the Holo KTE and really want one, but that's about $1k more than the Yggy, so maybe I'll see a used one come up at some point.  I"m sure I'll have to be fast as it will go quickly.

dfarirc777a, I did look at the Evo 100 too, but with my Primalluna Dialogue HP Integrated, that's a lot of tubes.  I've rolled the pre-amp tubes and want to roll the EL-34s at some point, and I was concerned about what the tube combination might sound like.  Didn't want to not like the sound and not know the cause (too many variables).  This is why I stay away from Analogue, there are just too many variables and the tweaker in me would be constantly changing things.  Having the Yggy just keeps the DAC constant in the mix.

Thank you all for your help and advice!  I will give you an update on the Yggy after I've had it for a week or so.  It was shipped to the original owner in February of 2018, so it should be broken in when it arrives.  

Steve