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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.

maam522a
patrickalston
163 posts
 

I think its going to take a bigger budget to be your LP12 assuming its dialed in.  

The Eversolo A6 is actually pretty good on its own.  The A8 for about $2k is better and pretty hard to beat without spending multiples of its price.  

 

I dont know what your other electronics are, but you described as "mid-fi." So, perhaps your sonic bottleneck is somewhere else in your setup.  

 

If I were you, I'd look at used perhaps a DAC that sold new for $10k+ that selled today for much less.  I propose patience because spending $2j may be at best a sideways move and at worst a step backwards.  

fthompson251's avatar
fthompson251
744 posts
 

Many owners claim the Denafrips Pontus II 12th has the presentation you are looking for.. $1200-1500 used. There is also a new version with many upgrades, the Pontus 15th that comes in around $2000 new. Both DAC’s offer i2s.

proux
14 posts
 

i think the audial S5 will get you close

 

 also denafrips pontus ii, although i preferred the audial

rivington66's avatar
rivington66
88 posts
 

I’m a vinyl lover running a 1965 McIntosh Mx110z into an Mc240. I love my Denafrips Pontus 15th. I would seriously dig in to the research on Denafrips. 

jkevinoc's avatar
jkevinoc
30 posts
 

This may not be a solution for you, but I have found satisfaction with an outmoded Linn Akurate DSM/3. There are loads of them for sale currently. You get Linn sound, MM and MC connectivity, HDMI and Ethernet. I stream with Roon on a Mac mini M1, and can also use Qobuz (and Tidal, Spotify) directly with the DSM. My 70 year old ears and 30dB household ambient noise level would prevent me from perfection anyhow.

LP12, Akurate DSM/3, AV5125, Aktiv Keilidhs

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