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Used DACs in the 10k range

I currently have a denafrips terminator and I definitely enjoy it in my system but I haven't compared many dacs (only other dac I heard in my system was the one in the HDV 820 when I was using my headphones). I was impressed with the rave reviews and bought it straight up but now I am wondering if its worth upgrading or not.
I am looking to spend around 10k ish for a used DAC that would be significantly  better than the Terminator.

Any suggestions?
Also any thoughts on the terminator itself. It has lots of positive reviews from outlets like audiobacon and darko, 6 mooons etc but it has very harsh criticism from places like SBAF. Would appreciate your thoughts.
My system: PC -> Roon -> Sotm sms 200 ultra (with sps500) -> audio sensibility signature usb cable -> sotm dx usb -> ss d110 aes cable -> terminator -> kimber cables xlr -> He9 -> yyw hifi xlr -> 4bsst dual bryston monoblocks -> qed xt 40 speaker cables -> paradigm signature s8 v2 + dual PSA V1800s [v1800s via svs soundpath rcas]
smodtactical

Showing 3 responses by audiotroy

audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,585 posts
 
Sim,

Based on your system first question which preamp are you using?

One before I would even entertain getting a dac I would borrow a Innous Zenith and see how much better the Denefrips would sound when being fed an optomized signal.

As other people I think Uberwaltz have commented the standard PC even with a whole bunch of regenerative doodads still doesn't sound anywhere nearly as good as the Zenith.

Second:  I would look at getting a great preamp, we are not Backert Labs dealers but have heard their preamps are excellent, and a tube preamp makes a Bryston sound way better.

Third: I would upgrade the Paradigm Sigs long before I upgraded my dac.  The Signatures are wonderful speakers but are definatly showing their age vs newer loudspeakers.

Fourth: Power cables and power conditioning are you using any?

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,585 posts
 
smodocatal, checked out your preamp. Looks impressive but we would still recommend adding a tube preamp to the Bryston.

The Byston amplifiers are clean but very dry sounding, hence a tube preamp really makes them come alive.

Here is the order of improvements:

1: Tube preamp
2: Real Music server Innous Zenith would be our recommendation
3: Upgrade speakers
4: Upgrade cables
5: Add power cables and power conditioning
6: Upgrade Dac.

Based on what you currently have upgrading the dac would be the last thing we would recomend. 

The tube preamp will add warmth, body and an increased soundstage.

The server will add greater warmth, musical flow and clarity as well as improving the soundstage.

The Paradigm Sig 8 are still excellent the Personas are in a different league, Focal Sopra also excellent, new Vimberg also great.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ


audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,585 posts
 
Op we wouldn’t recommend any digital change at this juncture, if you are contemplating a speaker change, or other equipment is in flux.

We look at the digital front end as the final flavor in a system.

Our approach is to select speakers first, as they will determine the rest of the components required. Cetain speakers will need greater power, some less, some speakers sound better on tubes other solid state.

So figure out your destination spekers, then audition electronics designed to make the speakers come alive, and then finally find the digital stage that harmonizes with the rest of the system.

As per your question Focal vs Persona 9h. The Focals are the easier of the two to make sound good, the 9H are more transparent and image with greater specificity they do require components which can add a bit of warmth to the mix, when you get them right the 9H are just remarkable in so many ways.


Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ


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