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HEGEL H80 DAC upgrade recommendation 2018

Hello,
I just purchased a Hegel H80 and am new to the "audiophile" world. I am however enjoying my new setup. I’m wondering if anyone with an H80 has upgraded their system to a new DAC where you’ve noticed a significant difference from using the onboard DAC (all things being equal, same speaker, wires, etc.). Please note that I got the amp for $650 so at the time of this post, I want to find a DAC that makes an audible difference but isn’t significantly more in cost than the amp unless the quality is wildly discernable on this amp with the DAC you recommend.. Open to better but older DACs that can be had for less used or any of the Shiit, ifi, SMSL, etc. DACs then please let me know. I really appreciate your first hand experience with the H80 and any recommendation you have to offer. Finally, l’d love to know if you found any difference between using the line or balanced inputs with your DAC. Thanks.

Hooman
hrabieh
hrabieh OP
21 posts
 
gcknapp
Nice to hear about your experience. I have a few questions:
a) prior to getting the Mytek, were you feeding the Hegel onboard DAC with the USB or the SPDIF output of the Bryston BDP-Pi.. and what if any differences did you notice?
b) did you notice a difference when you switched from the stock power cable to the Kimber power cable? Which version of the cable did you get?

b) On the Mytek Liberty, are you using single ended to Hegel or balanced via a converter.?
thanks much and congrats!

gcknapp
52 posts
 
A-Both coax digital and optical.  Coax sounded better.
B-yes.  Kimber PK 10.
balanced output.
hrabieh OP
21 posts
 
Did you audition any other DACs before settling on the Liberty?
gcknapp
52 posts
 
Hegel HD 12 and HD 25

gcknapp
52 posts
 
Mytek was more naturally sounding, with better soundstage.
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