Fpga, and Ethernet based, are the only dacs to look at but probably out of your price range. The benchmark dacs are terrible sounding unless you want shrill/cold sounding gear.
How do you make a final decision on a DAC
Thank you all for helping me along the way. I've been trying to decide on a DAC for my 2 channel system. I listen to JUST R&R 60's, 70's, 80's more or less and stream from my windows based Pc Via Amazon HD (which I really enjoy) loudly currently through my Benchmark DAC 3B, and my Audiolab 6000 Transport. Associated equipment: Should be here this week after waiting 7 months, ATI amp, 6002, Benchmark Line amp LA-4, Tekton SE Double Impacts and an SVS sb 4000 sealed sub. Really enjoy. A ceiling of 5K is somewhat available, # 1 choice is Denafrips Terminator 2, (a little nervous as once you order it's yours) Audio Mirror Tubadour 3 SE, Aqua La Voce 3. Don't really want a preamp/Dac combo, just a DAC. Listen in a very large shop area with great acoustics. ( just by chance.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Pulling hair out at this point, what little there is. Thanks as always Robert TN ps service is a big priority!!!!
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I can highly recommend the Aqua Voce S3. It transformed my whole library. Totally awesome sound. I recently upgraded to the Aqua Voce Fomula DAC, only because one used came available through my dealer at about half the new price. It was still more than I thought I would ever spend but couldn’t help myself after having benefitted from the S3. My dealer has my S3 on consignment for $2,850, but there’s a delay in moving into their new building. If you decide on the S3, contact me if interested in a pre-owned unit (which was an S2 that I had sent back to Italy for the S3 upgrade. Whether interested in mine or not, this is the bomb! You’ll be delighted. |
@robshaw hey Rob…curious what you end up with. I’m running DAC3 HGC. Prior to that I had Chord Qutest then Bryston BDA-3. The Bryston didn’t do it for me and after an extensive shootout the Benchmark won. That said, Chord really has a magic tone. If I was in a market for a $5k DAC I would seriously consider Chord Hugo TT2. |
For Rock and Roll....blues and jazz, the Denafrips / Tekton combo is balls to the wall. I like the R2R DACS...I think they are the most musical....Like others have said....order the Ares 2 for $800. If you like the R2R sound......you can sell the DAC and get a more expensive Denafrips unit. There is always a market for a used Denafrips. I like the fact that you can adjust "phase".....That one feature really changes the sound and open up a gigantic soundstage like a Live performance. Good Luck to you. |
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