I have owned Chord Qutest, Schiit ‘Gumby’, Denafrips Aries, Metrum Octave, Gustard R26 and now Holo Spring 3 KTE. Of these the Gumby was a major disappointment, hardly better than the built in DAC of an Oppo103. The others before the Spring 3 were a mixture of positives and negatives. In your shoes I would lean towards a Holo Cyan/Spring 3 or a Denafrips Pontus as these will have a warm resolving midrange, will not sound analytical or edgy.
Looking for a DAC $2500-$4000
Okay the digital part of my 2.1 system consists of a Line Magnetic 845 Premium Tube Amp, Tekton Encore Speakers, Cambridge CXN V2 Streamer, and an Oppo 205.
I'm running the Cambridge through the Oppo 205 to use it's DAC.
The Cambridge has a nice DAC that has been described as an every man's Streamer. It has a musical more analog sound to it. The Oppo's DAC is more detailed but also sounds more analytical or clinical.
What I am looking for is something that can be both on a higher level.
The reviews I've read about the Musical Fidelity M6x DAC ($2500) seems to be what I'm looking for.
Do any of you fine lovers of Streaming have any suggestions that I might add to my list to research? In the $2500 to $4000 range. Thanks for the help.
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I have limited DAC experience but maybe I can contribute this. I currently have Tekton DI’s and a tube pre. I rotate between tube and SS amplifiers. I have an Oppo 105 in the closet so I know what the decoder sounds like. I currently have an original Schiit Yiggy ( A serial number ) with an updated Gen 5 usb card. I like the Yiggy having moved up from the Bifrost. Compared to the Oppo the Yiggy is better overall especially in tonal quality and it pairs well with my Tektons. I’ve recently remodeled and my room is more lively. Even with this room being too lively the SQ is still acceptable which to me means that the Yiggy maintains a smoothness that I like. I too am curious about a “ Better DAC “ but at a $2-3k price point I’m happy. Cheers , Mike B. |
@davide256 is offering good council. His idea of pursuing a R2R DAC should deliver what you're looing for. Good luck and cheers |
@meambler +1 Denafrips Pontus. I had a CXN V2 in my big rig, Willsenton 800i 845, similar to your Line Magnetic driving Klipsch Forte IIIs and Focal Aria 926s. As you note, very good SQ, “warm” smooth presentation, very non fatiguing hours on listening experience. Upgraded to a Pontus 12th + IRIS DDC. HUGE improvement, same warmth, smoothness but with massive soundstage, much greater detail, but still non fatiguing beautiful musical presentation. The CXN is now in smaller rig, Cary Audio 300B SEI driving Klipsch Heresy IIs where it will stay. No plans to sell or upgrade there. Still enjoy its synergy with those components. But the Pontis + IRIS in big rig, whoa!! If you like the Burr Brown chips in the CXN, you’ll love NOS R2R DAC sound. |
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