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. 
 

wjcasey3rd

SW1X.  They have a full gamut of models but all have some key things in common, even their most economical units.  They are very analogue sounding, great balance, top quality components.  You will *not* need a reclocker.  I have the DAC IV Special but the less-costly models have the same design philosophy. 

Thank you all so much.  I have been looking at options and reading through people's responses.  Two of the options have peaked my interest and after speaking to a representative at The Music Room they have both an MSB Reference DAC with their Reference Powerbase and Pro USB as well as a Lampizator Poseidon in great shape and either would be at a good price with a trade in of my DAVE.  I haven't dabbled in any tube gear before, but both of these seem like they could be a good fit in my system and seemed to have some favorable responses from people in this thread.

 

Given these two options, what would you do?

 

Again, I really appreciate everyone's input.

This would seem to fall into the “you probably can’t go wrong either way” category, but I’d read as many reviews of both as possible and go with the one that offers the sonic characteristics that most closely align with specifically what you’re looking for and choose that.  Short of someone here having heard both in the same system, which is highly unlikely, that’s probably the best you can do.  I know this advice probably falls into the “well duh” category, but that’s what I’d do FWIW.  I’m sure you’ll be thrilled either way, and best of luck. 

+3 on Bricasti

I currently own a M3 DAC with a friend owning a fully upgraded M1 SE.  I have heard their flagship M21 and haven't heard a better DAC anywhere.  All of my Bricasti equipment sounds fantastic on my Tidal Contrivas.

Musicality of the Grimm MU2 is amazing. Replaced three pieces in my system including a Sonnet Pasithea DAC. Not looking back.

lots of comparisons between this and the Playback Design MP8 which seem to put them on similar levels. MP8 usually comes out marginally ahead but at a much higher price point.