I saw a Terminator for 3K on US Audio Mart. Would try it. If you didn't like it you could sale and not take a huge hit. I have the Plus and Gaia but a lot more money. I know and have heard Audio GD's R8-HE and it sounds very strong. Kingbarbuda may just have a bad match-up with equipment. I have owned several Audio GD pieces and thought for the money they are very hard to beat. Not sure who he is talking about as his dealer because Audio-GD sales direct. If he means they person selling in the USA, I can only say I bought from China and had no problems. Good luck.
Too many choices for R2R DACS--opinions appreciated
So I've decided to treat myself to a new DAC to celebrate a rather significant birthday coming up, and I'm very intrigued by the new generation of DACs employing R2R technology. Reviews have been unrelentingly positive, but I have way too many choices now, so I'd appreciate some opinions from any of you who may have had a chance to compare some of them. Price range: about $3K (with some slight headroom if the right DAC warrants it). I've looked at reviews for Audio-GD, Denafrips, Sonnet, and the new one from Jay's Audio (which doesn't yet seem to have any reviews that I can find).
I'll be replacing a DAC that I actually really like, an Abbingdon Music Research DP-777 (not SE) which I've had for a few years now, but from what I read about the R2Rs, they appear to produce a sound I might like even better.
Listening preferences: mostly classical, some folk, some Broadway, and I never totally outgrew my taste for the good ol' rock music I grew up with.
Rest of the system: Modwright KWI-200 integrated, Cambridge Audio CXU disc spinner, Ryan R610 speakers, Rel S2 sub. Cables: Audience & Cardas. (This all might be a bit TMI, but let's cover all the bases).
Your opinions gratefully received. Thanks!