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

@jjss49  I'm thinking that the Lampizator might sound too warm for my liking. Plus I already have a Tube Amp and I don't think I want the expense of the tube rolling rabbit hole for my DAC.

The Denafrips line is on my list. I do want a DAC with the R2R sound vs the Chips sound. 

Thanks for the response! 

op

lampi's are not warm, highs are clear and airy

you should figure out a way to demo one...  worth the effort imo

Okay, so after mucho research and conversing with knowledgable people, like all of you, I went with a Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE. Found one on USAudiomart for a great deal should get it Tuesday or Wednesday depending on our impending Snowmageddon.

I will be running my Cambridge CXN V2 and Oppo 205d through it.

Would like to use the I2S connection between the Oppo 205d and the Holo. But to do that the Oppo would need a modification which I am attempting to see if that is possible. There is an I2S mod for every Oppo listed on Oppomod.com except for the 205d. Trying to find out some info via that website.

There are I2S stand alone converters that can be used between the 2 units but I have no clue as to which are of quality and which are junk. 

I want to thank all of you who responded to my post. You were all extremely helpful in my quest for a hopefully end of line DAC. 

Update... I got a great deal on an Innuos Pulse. So I am now running the Pulse through the Holo via a Tubulus Concentus V2 USB. After I figured out all the options with the Pulse and got it dialed in... WOW!  I must say that I am no longer interested in upgrading. That pairing really sounds sublime.  

A 4000 dollar dac this year may get beat by a 1000 dollar dac next year.

You could just enjoy your current streamer dac and focus on other bottlenecks, the room is usually the biggest bottleneck. You already have great speakers.

But, if you have to get something for 4000 dollars.....you could get this Technics SACD+CD+streamer+dac unit. It is a excellent sounding streamer, dac, cd player and sacd player, an upgrade from the Oppo and cambridge and you get more for the money (with the sacd/cd playback capability). Your oppo will break down one day.

All your cash didn’t get tossed into some numb nut 1 trick pony dac that got beat by something cheaper next year.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_133SLG7M2S/Technics-SLG700M2-Silver.html?tp=197

 

@meambler  wrote

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.