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Too many choices for R2R DACS--opinions appreciated

So I've decided to treat myself to a new DAC to celebrate a rather significant birthday coming up, and I'm very intrigued by the new generation of DACs employing R2R technology. Reviews have been unrelentingly positive, but I have way too many choices now, so I'd appreciate some opinions from any of you who may have had a chance to compare some of them. Price range: about $3K (with some slight headroom if the right DAC warrants it). I've looked at reviews for Audio-GD, Denafrips, Sonnet, and the new one from Jay's Audio (which doesn't yet seem to have any reviews that I can find). 

I'll be replacing a DAC that I actually really like, an Abbingdon Music Research DP-777 (not SE) which I've had for a few years now, but from what I read about the R2Rs, they appear to produce a sound I might like even better. 

Listening preferences: mostly classical, some folk, some Broadway, and I never  totally outgrew my taste for the good ol' rock music I grew up with. 

Rest of the system: Modwright KWI-200 integrated, Cambridge Audio CXU disc spinner, Ryan R610 speakers, Rel S2 sub. Cables: Audience & Cardas. (This all might be a bit TMI, but let's cover all the bases).

Your opinions gratefully received. Thanks!

 

cooper52
larryincmh
59 posts
 

So disappointed, I thought this thread was going to be about R2R (as in reel-to-reel tape deck of which R2R is the common abbreviation) and I was interested to see which decks everyone had (mine is a Teac X300)! Sigh. LOL

jl1ny's avatar
jl1ny
392 posts
 

Denafrips Terminator…love it. It slightly exceeded my budget but I thought it stomped on every other Dac I had listened to in the $2K-$3500 range (used), of course ymmv. also keep in mind your choice of connection can have a significant impact on some Dacs and your wallet. I slipped into the U$B cable rabbit hole and luckily was able to escape haha, I stayed with digital coax.

wlutke
703 posts
 

larryincmh,

Not only is R2R not R2R, neither is NOS!  (Non Over Sampling) 🌀

gsal's avatar
gsal
27 posts
 

mbmi +1

26mo18pts's avatar
26mo18pts
22 posts
 

I saw a Terminator for 3K on US Audio Mart. Would try it. If you didn't like it you could sale and not take a huge hit. I have the Plus and Gaia but a lot more money. I know and have heard Audio GD's R8-HE and it sounds very strong. Kingbarbuda may just have a bad match-up with equipment. I have owned several Audio GD pieces and thought for the money they are very hard to beat. Not sure who he is talking about as his dealer because Audio-GD sales direct. If he means they person selling in the USA, I can only say I bought from China and had no problems. Good luck.

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