Berkeley Alpha Reference 3 would be my recommendation. It is detailed, lifelike and natural. i’d recommend an Audio Research DAC9 but it is getting a bit long in the tooth, and doesn’t have DSD. I find dCS to be too sterile.
DAC upgrade
Looking to take my digital side of things to the next level.
L-shaped new room. Sloped ceiling. Big space.
D’Agostino HD Preamp, M400 amps, Aurender W20 with their Master Clock. Wislson Benesch Resolutions with two REL 32 subs. Great interconnects.
Have a Chord DAVE DAC. It sounds good. Still a little clinical and sterile. Haven’t gone into the world of tubes. I’m an amateur for sure but read a lot of what you all say and am trying to elevate my game. Truly enjoy this hobby and the happiness that music brings. Just learning what the next step might be.
Thank you for your input.
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If you’re looking to buy new make a list of DACs you’re most interested in and try to arrange for home audition. |
OP here's a recent review in stereophile https://www.stereophile.com/content/bricasti-design-m21-da-processor I've heard this dac many times, not in my own system, but ones I'm familiar with and it always impressed me. Just not in my own budget. 😞 |
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