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Best route to go for new dac?

Hello. I am looking for a better dac. I am currently using My MacBook Pro with a dragon fly red. Audioquest golden gate 3.5mm to RCA to McIntosh Ma 252. audio quest type 4 to Revel Perfoma3 F206 Speaks and SVS SB3000 sub. The sub has Audioquest Black lab IC. I have around 1000 bucks. Best route to go? I mainly use Tidal. Thank you!


128x128discopete
phcollie's avatar
phcollie
342 posts
 
Op, there are so many choices and everyone has their favorite. I suggest you avoid the "measurement" trap, the lowest SINAD numbers will not equate to the best sound. Audition a few that have a well put together analog stage and choose what you like to hear.
In a resolving system, the DAC is much more than a chip. 
Ignoring the sales pitch at the beginning, this video is worth watching to understand the importance of the analog stage. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=McoA82-fi9s
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Best route to go for new dac?

R2R Multibit for a real sound and make sure it’s got a volume control, to go direct into amp with, as many including me think it sounds better with better transparency and dynamics,
Cheers George

djones51
4,947 posts
 
Topping D90 , get the one with the MQA decoder if you like MQA. 
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