R2R next? Don't like ESS

Another Aries II fan... It's the gateway drug to R2R DACs. I still use mine in my headphones system but moved up and over to Holo Audio for my main system. A good used Aries II is a no brainer. Enjoy...

So I've had a Schiit Bifrost 2/64. It was OK, but even in NOS mode still a little too sharp for my taste. I swapped to an MHDT Atlantis dac and it's a much better option for my taste. No bite, great soundstage three dimensionality, and still enough detail to be happy. Also if you like to tinker with a soldering iron, it's an easy piece of kit to modify as well. And for tubes to select, a good 6922 variant or 6SN7 with adapter is nice, but the WE296A takes the win.

Don't purchase cheap DACs. 😉

Chip or resistor ladder does not make that much difference .

I learned it after many many many moneys spent .

Schiit Bifrost 2/64 is decent and only $600 here https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650169946-schiit-audio-bifrost-264-version-black/ .  Don't like the click between songs when the transfer rate changes.

PS Audio DirectStream Mk1 can be found for $1500 used or $1749 refurbished from https://www.psaudio.com/products/directstream-dac

I have owned both and enjoyed each.

+ Denafrips. Love my Pontus II 12th with IRIS DDC combo.  The entry level Enyo 15th supposed to be a big upgrade. Topping now makes an R2R DAC at similar price point to entry Denafrips. Don’t know much about it, worth a look. I have a D90LE in my bedroom system which has a low watt SEP tube amp and warm speakers so the ESS chip effect is a good match. The Pontus II is superior in my main rig.