It looks like the Dinafrips will be the step I take. Either a Pontus 15 or a used Venus II or 12 for about the same cost.
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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After a few weeks of research and a few days of comments on this forum, you have made a great list of recommendations similar to what I have gathered. Much appreciated. The speed at which the Denafrips DACs that are reasonably priced have sold in the few weeks that i have been tracking them will make your head spin. I need to just put the money in my - for me - account and pull the trigger when the stars align. |
@maam522a just curious what cartridge and phono stage do you use in your analog front end? |
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