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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
chuck
245 posts
 

I agree with GHdprentice.  The OP complained that his system is "clinical and sterile."   George is offering a solution to the OP's question.   Sure he could change the sound in other ways but we are answering the OP's question.   I agree. MSB,  Lampizator or Berkeley would be my recommendations.  

wjcasey3rd OP
19 posts
 

Thank you all. I love hearing everyone’s input. I agree that this is a subjective question that people can provide their opinions. But that’s what matters. In my field, a plastic surgeon at Mayo Clinic, my answers to clinical questions are based on my assessment, experiences, and clinical judgment. In the end we find what works for each person. 
 

I know that room treatments matter. I haven’t done enough of that. I also don’t have the time to sit down and listen to a zillion different combinations. So I have to rely on those that know a lot more than me. 
 

In the end, I thought hard about the Lampizator Poseidon. My two reservations were the heat produced by tubes, given that I live in Cave Creek, Arizona. And that I have never dealt with tubes and don’t have the time to roll them or manage them. So I did buy the MSB Reference DAC from TMR. The room it will be in isn’t done, but I can’t thank this group enough for your guidance. Looking forward to letting this group know what I experience. 
 

much appreciated!!!

daytrader
195 posts
 

“Rolling them or managing them” is not a prerequisite to tube ownership. 💡💡

johannm
53 posts
 

Could this be a game changer for DAC's? New on the market - pro references are outstanding. Way within your budget.

https://imersiv.com/

yyzsantabarbara
5,560 posts
 

I have been interested in this Imersiv DAC for a while. I found out that the designer of the DAC will be at a headphone meetup in Colorado on Jan 10. I will be flying in to hear all the killer gear at the meet.

It also turned out that a local friend of mine has the Imersiv DAC at his place. If we can arrange a time, I will drive down to hear it before Jan 10th. I made a post on this thread about the 3 DACs I am interested in. It looks like I will be able to hear all 3 in the same room with the best headphone gear in the world.

The only wild card is me, since I am still waiting to get my Schitt Byggi (via an upgrade).

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