1. Home
  2. digital
  3. 186212-184775

Recommend me a DAC under 3k

Hi All,

Long time reader, first time poster!

I’m expanding my all-analog system to add a proper digital front end and would like recommendations for a DAC to connect to my Wiim pro plus.


Listening Habits:

I primarily listen to LPs, but appreciate the convenience and discoverability that digital provides. I don’t have a digital music library and only stream via Tidal and Spotify. My 2-channel system does double duty as a sound system for our TV as well.


Requirements:

  • All-in <= $3k
  • Prioritizes sound quality above all else
  • Streaming supports Tidal Connect directly or via some other protocol
  • TosLink Input (for casual TV)


Personal Preferences:

  • When tuning components in my system, I’ve preferred ones that are more detailed/transparent rather than overly warm/harmonic. E.g. Telefunken over Amperex or Mullard. Duelund CAST over AN copper.
  • Realistic tone/timbre, soundstage, micro-detail, and impactful bass are important to me.


Currently under consideration:

  • Denafrips Pontus II 12th
  • Denafrips Venus II
  • Schiit Yggdrasil
  • ANK DAC 4.1x (with Duelund caps, etc)
  • Gustard R26


The rest of my system is as follows:

  • CSS 2TD-x tower speakers (neutral with some mid-bass warmth)
  • ANK EL34 35W Monoblocks
  • ANK L5 Mentor Preamp
  • ANK L3 Phono V2
  • Mofi Ultradeck with Master Tracker cartridge
  • Richard Gray 600RM Pro Power Conditioner
kuhyay
mclinnguy's avatar
mclinnguy
1,085 posts
 

@kuhyay did you buy? I see there is no love here for exaSound? 

Here is an excellent post: https://audiophilestyle.cayre-codex-lampizator-amber-schiit-yggy-exasound-e32-and-ayre-qx-5-dac-comparison

Oh, and exaSound provides a 30 day trial for the current e62 -(e38 not produced anymore)  

will3
67 posts
 

Schiit Gungnir Multibit (A2 Card) Gen 5 USB for use w SPEAKERS.

Very entertaining / analog sound

celtic66
1,945 posts
 

Weiss DAC204.  I run the Weiss 501 and love it.  The Weiss DAC204 is a stripped down no frills version.

tvrgeek
299 posts
 

Do not be swayed by arrogant, "must be exotic or it is junk" posters any more than the SINAD chasers. Use your own ears in your system. 

As there are clear preferences in sound from the many DACs mentioned, that kind of confirms you need to listen to your taste.   "Correct " may not mask bad recordings as some euphonic distortion will, so your choice. 

The Schiit Gungnir is OBE. They have the Bifrost and Yggdrasil for multibit. 

I do not think RMEs are available with the AKM. They claim their ESS sounds the same.  Execution seems to mean a lot more than the chip. 

 

wharfy's avatar
wharfy
564 posts
 

@kuhyay 

Under 3K are the Musetec Audio (LKS Audio) MH-DA005 ES9038 Pro x2 DAC. It has two ES9038pro chips (one per channel), and superb audiophile grade parts that achieve very high resolution with a very large soundstage. There is a lengthy thread about the MH-DA005 on A'Gon. I purchased one after reading and have been very happy.

David

https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/musetec-lks-mh-da005-dac?highlight=Musetec

More to discover