Favorite Streamer/DAC combo under 3k?


Looking to upgrade my WiiM Pro! Suggestions?

been looking at the Eversolos….

cbowie88

MOON 280D MIND2 by SIMAUDIO ….. highly recommended 

Bonus:

-  best in class 10 year warranty from new

- unparalleled upgrade investment recovery: 75% dealer trade-in value within 1st year; 50% trade-in-value within yr 2.

- made in Canada and top support 

Sample reviews: 

https://darko.audio/2021/07/refined-precision-moon-by-simaudios-280d-streaming-dac/

 

https://stereonet.com/reviews/simaudio-moon-280d-dac-review

 

https://www.extremehifi.com/product/moon-280d-558E


 

 

 

 

 

No one’s mentioning the difference DAC hardware architectures - there’s a lot of DAC’s with Delta-Sigma chips vs. DAC’s with R 2-R ladder hardware.  (There’s other types as well, but these are the two I’ll speak to.). You should dig-in a bit to find out if you like the transparency (albeit somewhat clinical) sound of the Delta-Sigma or the more ‘analog’ (musical sound) of the R 2-R.  I personally went for an Eversolo A6 with a Denafrips Pontus 15th (R 2-R ladder) which sounds pretty great to my ears.  Pretty damn close to vinyl in some instances.  Total Price was $2800.

I would highly recommend one of the Ayre Acoustics DAC/streaming DACs, new/used, that are within your price range.  Personally, I always buy pre-owned, as to maximize my budget, and to get the absolute most for my hard earned dollars.  Although lesser known, these DACs are just incredible and could end up being your last.  Over the years, I've owned a couple Ayre Acoustics DACs, and now use their top-of-the-line DAC as my end-game, reference streaming DAC.  Happy listening.