Need help choosing a new DAC

Hey Terrapin,

Fellow Deadhead here.  While you’ve gotten some excellent advice here so far, I’ll put in a vote for a vintage DAC that support HDCD.  All of the official releases, new box sets, Dick’s and Dave’s Picks releases are still encoded with it.  Does it make a huge difference?  I don’t know, but there’s a reason they still master these tracks with it about 20 years after the heyday of Pacific Microsonics (pre Microsoft).  There’s maybe something a bit psychosomatic about seeing the HDCD light illuminate when you pop on a disc.  I’ve only heard the PMD100 version DACs, never the PMD200 version.  Not many DACs or disc spinners have that option.  You can find killer DACs for 1/4 your budget too.  I’ve owned modern DACs, but none sound as good to my ears as the UA20400 or BB PCM63 based DACs.  I live quite happily with my mid-90’s era DACs with cutting edge technology of the day.   I may be a little out of step, but man they bring a smile to my face.  Favorite DACs include the Proceed DAP, Parasound 2000, Classe, Sonic Frontiers and many others.  Magnificent imaging and soundstage depth.  Give them a try!  The money you save can buy you the next 10 years of Dave’s Picks.  :^)

@marlin38 I'm actually thinking about getting a HDCD compliant CD player because I have so many Dead CDs. My CXC V2 isn't HDCD compliant. And the Dead CDs are about the only discs that get played in my system. 

I want to say thanks to everyone who replied to my post. As for the DAC, an Audio Mirror Tubadour III SE just popped up for sale on another forum and I  emailed the seller that I want it since I would save $1k vs buying new.  If I don't like it, I will sell it and try the Yggdrasil next.  

Agree with clockworkcreep5, the Aqua Voce is incredible. I bought the Aqua La Voce S2 DAC and sent it back to Italy for a $1,500 upgrade to S3 (the current version). This made all my CDs sound more organic with just the right balance between detail and an analog sound. This S3 version sells new for about $5,000. Last week my dealer had a pre-owned Aqua Formula DAC which sells new for $17K, and I bought it for $10K as an upgrade to the Aqua La Voce S3. I do hear improvement but no dramatic difference from the S3. If interested, I’ll be selling the La Voce S3 for $2,800. Take a look at the reviews on these. 

Excellent choice! Please let us know what you think once you get it.