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How not to buy a DAC -- an audiofool journey

Recently I catalogued my journey of a DAC replacement after selling off my Nagra Tube DAC.

https://audiofool.substack.com/p/how-not-to-buy-a-dac-part-one

Comments, feedback, brickbats, likes, always welcome

My shortlist was:

  1. Abbas DAC 3000-5000$

  2. Lampizator GG1-GG3: 8000-10000$

  3. AMR DP777SE : 1500$

  4. Sforzato: 3300$

  5. Metronome AQWO 2

  6. Accuphase DP-770

  7. Ayon CD35 II HF

  8. Esoteric N-01XD

essrand
jrareform's avatar
jrareform
196 posts
 

@essrand you got me on the edge of my seat.  Do tell your thoughts!  That's a stacked list of DACs.  If you like hyperrealism throw the T+A DAC 200 on the list :)

alexopth1512
23 posts
 

Interesting journey and of course you are not a fool. It's called a hobby and for many men, it is costly. I also have 2nd hobby cars and believe me it is more coslty than this. It is not only the upgradeatitis. It is that you always wonder what could be better and of course ti have fun through these journeys. 

These days I was blamed from a friend for my hobby and later he told me he had given 10k for a coffee machine...  

I had similar itches like you, till I decided to design me own gear from scratch. More difficult journey than the one you had, I was lucky to be Electrical/Electronics Engineer PhD and maths/electronics was easy. Now I have evrything end game except the !@! speakers... 

bassbuyer's avatar
bassbuyer
906 posts
 

Thanks for the video.  This is such a fun hobby.  I love putting together systems and then tweaking them over time.  It’s one of the reasons I like separate components.  It’s tough when FOMO gets in the way.  Trust your ears and eyes (it needs to look cool to me too), don’t spend more than you can afford, enjoy the journey and most importantly the music you love playing along the way.  

ghasley
2,568 posts
 

@essrand 

What a terrific writing style. Intelligent, fun, concise as necessary and so, so applicable to so many.

 

Looking forward to your next article.

rikkipuu's avatar
rikkipuu
358 posts
 

I bought a GG1 and upgraded to 11P, now it's a matter of when not if I send it back for 12X2.  The sound is to me glorious now, and the reviews of 12X2 are that it brings the GG3 to a new level.

I heard the Aphrodite and will shamefully admit I prefer the GG3, there is something about the DHT sound that connects with me vs the fast articulate Aphrodite.  I know the Aphrodite is a far superior DAC but it doesn't speak to me.

I think the Horizon (or Aphrodite) will sound more like your Swiss Nagra Tube unless you are looking for a more lush sound.

Good luck, I can't wait to hear about the next stop in your journey.

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