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Is my Cal Audio Sigma II too old?

It seems like I have had my Cal Audio Sigma II DACs for 12 years or more. Is this too old? Have DACs come that much further since it was made? I always liked the warmth of this tube based DAC and currently have a Telefunken smooth plate in it and still enjoy the sound. Regardless of its age, it still sounds less harsh than the DAC built into the Sonos Connect I use for my digital listening. This is connected to a NAS drive with redbook cd flac files. I don’t really have the 2 grand at the moment for a Benchmark 3 or a Mytek Brooklyn but I’m not sure I need or want all that additional functionality. I just use it to decode the digital signal. Would a more modest DAC outshine this older unit?

The rest of the system consists of a McIntosh C712 preamp, McIntosh MC2102 tubed power amp and Magnepan 1.7i speakers.
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kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
Note note to self: Count the number of posts someone asked for a suggestion for upgrading xxxx (fill in the blank with any audio gear) and georgehifi did not respond by including a link to Schiit website or not recommend one of their products.
Sorry just could not resist...Please carry on.
mzm6bb's avatar
mzm6bb OP
5 posts
 
Schitt has already been in the back of my mind and whilst there may be shills on here, I'm actually thinking the Schitt Bifrost MultiDac may suit my current budget.
shadorne's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
shadorne
7,467 posts
 
Yes too old. It might even benefit from a recap. Save up until you have the 2k you need and do it right. Dont compromise and buy sh-t.
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
mzm6bb
I’m actually thinking the Schitt Bifrost MultiDac

Still very good for pcm "redbook cd flac files" if you can’t stretch to the Yaggdrasil.

Schiit make very good stuff at great prices, without "glitzing" them up with expensive chassis and charging a fortune for something that doesn’t improve the sound.

Remember Mike Moffat owner of Schiit, used to be head designer for Theta Digital when they were on top of digital replay, so he should know his Schiit.

Cheers George
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
For Redbook CD, you may also want to consider one of the R2R DACs being discussed in a few other threads. The Denafrips Ares is under $700 with free shipping. Meets the no frills no glitz criteria referenced above with lots of positive feedback.
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