Under 1k. Find a used Oppo Sonica. Measures well, has a big power supply, and uses top end chips.
Best DAC for around $2,500 or less
What are your opinions on the best DAC for under $2,500? Looking at the Schiit Yggy or many of recommend Denafrips so looking at their Pontus. Any thoughts on how these two compare? It might be misguided by I tend to think your getting a little more for your money with a direct to consumer company like Schiit and I know they are highly regarded for their DACS. Anything else to look at in this price range?
- ...
- 115 posts total
I had a Yggy upgraded to Analog 2 with the USB Gen5 and also had the W4S DAC2DSDSE upgraded to 2v2 and vastly prefered the W4S. A W4S trade in can be had for $ 2000. I think it is a steal. I now have a Terminator and it way outperforms both. I am intrigued by the tubadour-iii-non-oversampling-tube-dac but I have found you cant get a $ 5000 DAC for $2500 unless it is used. |
Unless the Oppo Sonica is better than the 205 which I own, the RME ADI-2 fs is superior. It’s not just a different sound, but cleaner, smother, bottom end more extended and controlled... better all around. I have not heard the Sonica so it might be better than the UDP 205, but if the same there’s better for the money. |
These previously mention DACs have multiple favorable reviews: Mytek Brooklyn DAC Benchmark DAC3 Schiit Yqqdrasil Also good reviews: HoloAudio Spring DAV Level 3 "Kitsune Tuned Edition" ifi Audio Pro iDSD DAC If you can spend up to $3k: PrimaLuna EVO 100 Tube DAC I'm not confident you can find a Denafrips Terminator used for $2.5k, but if you do get one it's also worth purchasing the dsp upgrade card ~$220usd at https://www.vinshineaudio.com/shop Yes, you can also shop used - that's where I purchased my Denafrips Terminator. But because audio digital technology is growing/changing rapidly, the newer digital components commonly outperforms the older tech stuff - building on what was learned before. |
- 115 posts total