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.

meambler

Notable DACs (prices not current):

2.6 Ferrum Wandla - HR competes w 10k DACs 

     +1.2 HYPSOS power supply 

2.7 LAiV Harmony DAC

3.0 Musician Aquarius - sounds like a $5k DAC

3.5 Weiss DAC204 - sounds great but digital like

4.3   Denafrips Terminator  [BNC in, 

     XLR out](But USB in best per AudioBacon)                                                                                      

4.0 Linear Tube Audio Aero DAC

4.5 Wired4Sound DAC-2v2SE                    

5.0 Audio-GD R7HE MK2                              

5.6 Kitsune Hifi May-KTE.                           

6.6 Lampizator Baltic 4 (punches way above price point- beats KTE).              

I have a friend who just recently received the LTA Aero, the build quality and sound is over the top ….

I'll be visiting this thread keeping a look out for the SS design DAC's that get recommended. There is now a keenness to experience a SS Digital System in conjunction with my Valve DAC.  

I have started with the Ferrum Wandla (HR ??) and have found one as a used sale Item purchased in 2023, for sale in 2026 for £1470, it will have added costs for the delivery.   

@pindac I just added the Meitner MA3i dac with a built in streamer and volume control with a remote and is hooked directly to my Sit-4 amp to the Volti Audio Lucera it’s never leaving…sorta expensive 

I second @mdalton I have a Gold Note DAC and it performs really well. However, I have it attached to an entire stack of Gold Note so the synergy plays well (preamp, amp, tube 1012, power supply).

In my other system, I have the best DAC I have ever owned which is the Audio Mirror Toubadour DAC V. There is a VI version but I haven't upgraded yet. Even the IV version sounds great and can be had in your price range. The Toubadour DAC sounds like a 15K Lambizator Pacific.