Look at the MHDT line. very musical DACs
2k DAC that gives me what I want like my vintage LP12
I have zero experience in rotating DACs through my system. My Analog chain gives me exactly what I want as a listener. It is based on a vintage LP12 with a few upgrades to power supply, tonearm, cartridge, phono stage, and setup. Detailed, warm, deep silent background, and effortless delivery.
I have an Eversolo A6 and an S.M.S.L CD transport. I decided to purchase a Toppings D70 Pro Octo to feed my streamer and transport into. I was not really disappointed, but certainly not what I was looking for. I want the same or similar level of satisfaction that I feel when I listen to my Analog chain. I also want to stay at or under $2k.. I realize that the dollars in my turntable, arm, cartridge, and phono stage is more than twice that amount, but I was able to assemble it over time.
I want to start with the DAC. I can change Streamer, Server, CD Transport over time if need be. I assume that a good DAC should be able to clock other digital inputs to mitigate many of their shortcomings.
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0. Streamer – I label the streamer as “0” because I want to emphasize that it is the origin of the signal chain. The A6, which I owned briefly but returned, is known for its bright sound. I believe it is the main contributor to the system’s current sound signature. The T8, which I am auditioning now, has a similar “house sound.” It offers a quieter, smoother, and more articulate hi-fi presentation, but it still carries a bright signature (the bright side of neutral). It is suggested that you consider changing the streamer even before addressing the DAC. 1. DAC – The D70 Pro Octo is known for its snappy, dynamic, clean, and sharp sound, typical of delta-sigma DACs. For your digital setup to sound more analog, you need a tonally fuller, richer, and smoother DAC, such as an R2R design. I have used two DACs: the Topping D90 III Discrete and the Harmony Micro DAC. I paired the Micro DAC (R2R) with the Schiit Saga 2 for volume control in my brighter first rig, while the other DAC was used for my warmer second rig. These combinations work reasonably well. However, in the first rig, the sound still isn’t smooth enough for me to be completely satisfied. 2. Cabling – I replaced the I²S and XLR interconnect cables to tone down the system. I settled on Veritas cables, which provide a smoother presentation without compromising detail, making a noticeable tonal improvement in my first rig. |
This Bryston DAC would be close to what you’re looking for https://tmraudio.com/fresh-arrivals/bryston-bda-3-dac-d-a-converter-xndq/ |
Well Until you hear it, then you will realize how awesome Digital has become over the years, the Music streamer is like having a great dedicated CD transport. I use a Outboard DAC with a Aurender X100L music server, it connects with a USB audio cable, this is very important because this is the unit you interact with directly and this company has one of the best Apps (conductor) for interfacing with your music. Did I say how Incredible the sound is coming from this music server?? . The sound using Tidal with MAX resolution is dynamic, detailed, with tons of PRAT (pace rhythm timing), there are live instruments in my room! I love the digital sound in my system Funny thing is, I am really a vinyl guy, I have a JA Michell Gyro SE turntable with a Dynavector 20x2 mc cartridge and a Manley Chinook phono pre. And while my vinyl sound leaves me nothing to be desired, my digital sound is better.
A GREAT DAC to try If it were me would be a MYTEK Brooklyn DAC, the DAC is also key in the digital chain, they all sound different too.
Matt M |
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