Suggestions for DAC auditions - upgrade from HRT III+?

Thanks Vincent - I'll take that under strong consideration!

Leahy,

If I were you, I'd hold off making a move to a new DAC for a few months.

The main reason is that it looks like MQA is getting some positive traction in the marketplace.  Tidal started streaming "Masters" from Warner Music about two months ago, they have about 1000 titles available on their app.

A few weeks ago Universal Music signed on to a multi-year agreement to provide MQA (Beatles, Stones, U2, Lady Gaga, etc etc).

Only a few DAC manufacturers have taken "the plunge" and incorporated "end-to-end" MQA decoding into their hardware.  I suspect that, with Universal Music joining the MQA world, more will need to take that "plunge" in the near future.

MQA is not very well understood.  It has two main benefits, #1) delivering high res files in a small package and #2) "de-blurring", reducing the "pre-ringing" ("digital sound").  Though #1 can be done in software, to me, the real sonic benefit of MQA is #2 and the only way to get that is to have a DAC that does "end-to-end" decoding.

The Wadia is an excellent choice. If you can save up a bit more, the Ayre Codex is another outstanding dac. Playing your current Redbook music through either the Wadia or Ayre will make it sound like hi res compared to what you have now.

Thanks EJR & sfall - My biggest issue is that I don't want to buy the same music another time (regarding the MQA).  I have a large CD/LP collection, but it might be the next big thing if they start phasing out CDs for current music.

That's two nods for the Wadia.  I'll check out the Ayre too.

Anyone into NOS DACs?  I'm intrigued by their music over detail description, but I've never heard one.  I have read good things about Schiit, but there are more than a few comments taking issue with their sound.  So many options - so few places to audition (near me).

" Thanks EJR & sfall - My biggest issue is that I don't want to buy the same music another time (regarding the MQA).  I have a large CD/LP collection, but it might be the next big thing if they start phasing out CDs for current music. "

CD's are already being phased out, and its highly unlikely MQA will succeed. Just look at what happened with SACD and DVD-A. One thing I can tell you, is that good Reedbook playback usually sounds better than entry to mid level high res. I think its worth it to get the best out of your current formats, and watch the new stuff to make sure its going to succeed before you invest in it.