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Which DAC makers let you do in home trial?

I'm interested in comparing some DACS for purchase, maximum price about $1600, let's say.
Auditioning them is a hope.
I know that people can get speakers and sometimes amps on trials from manufacturers and from some brick and mortar shops.
So, my question to you all is:
Have you been able to audition DAC's in your home? Which companies with good at home trials and return policies (besides Ps Audio, which is great about that but their DAC is super expensive).
The alternative is just to take a shot in the dark, which I'd prefer not to do. I like to take time and assess before spending this kind of money.
128x128hilde45
hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,778 posts
 
I am still so grateful for all the information I’ve gotten, and will use it to do some trials when the time is right.
veroguy
137 posts
 
Mojo Audio offers a 45-day "no risk audition".  It applies to new, used and demo items.



hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,778 posts
 
@veroguy -- thanks! Made in U.S.A.with 45 day trial. Excellent.
brotw
103 posts
 
Some DACs add different filter settings to get differing sound characteristics, tube DACs and most R2R DACs roll of the top frequencies to give it a more analog sound
I get a more analog sound from R2R after calibrating to the same flat frequency response. There is a sonic signature just like speakers and amps sounding different with the same cal targets.
yakbob
449 posts
 
@hilde45 ,  since its within your price range, and you have some interest in tube dac options, I'd suggest the highly configurable Musical Paradise MP-D2 MK3 dac. It offers many rectifier and output tube options, screw in capacitor options, even swappable dac chips if you want to go crazy.

The beauty of the design is that you can tailor it as you go. If you change your speakers and decide you want to tame the upper end (just as an example) a tube swap would help you get there.

There's a large thread with all sorts of input from happy owners in the discless circle on audiocircle. Unfortunately, I don't think Musical Paradise does in home trials.


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