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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
trivema's avatar
trivema
177 posts
 

Look for R2R type DAC.  My Pontus II 12th + IRIS DDC has warm organic analog like sound signature w tube amp and Klipsch Heritage speakers. Used combo $2k if you can find them.

maam522a OP
161 posts
 

@vthokie83 @joeycastillo 

I have read that some prefer the Pontus II 12th a little more than the 15th.  Comments were about the warmer analog sound of the 12th.

Would you go with either Pontus or a Venus II 12 if given the choice?  I really like the oscillators (clocking) in the Venus.

mihorn
908 posts
 

WT amp ultra (streamer + DAC + Amp) sound pretty analog. Alex/Wavetouch audio

WT ultra sound-1. 

WT ultra sound-2. 

It’s only $1300. 

soix
11,233 posts
 

Pontus is a good choice, and the Gold Note DS-10 may also be worth a look as it seems to offer the sound characteristics you’re looking for as well.  Not to complicate things, but I recall some people preferring the sound of the Pontus with an Iris over the Venus at least in the original versions — not sure about the 12th models.  FWIW, and best of luck. 

vthokie83
1,224 posts
 

maam52a

You are now splitting hairs, and it's a personal preference thing that I cannot definitely say which you may prefer.....below is what I like:

Given a straight up comparison between the Pontus 12th and the Venus 12th, definitely the Venus.

I compared a Pontus II with the Iris DDC to a Venus 12th, and I personally preferred the Pontus/Iris combination more.....though the Venus 12th is really really good. In the Pontus/Iris combo, definitely I2S between Pontus and Iris.

Pontus 12th versus Pontus 15th, I preferred the 15th.....the Pontus 15th is basically a Venus 12th for $2,000. What you may have heard from others, is that the 15th adds a bit more speed and detail versus the 12th. For some that may not be as relaxed as the Pontus 12th, and for some it may be just what the Pontus line needed.

The ball is now in our court.

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