About the Matrix Audio ND-1 DAC

@curiousjim 

In my opinion going from a $2.000 retail DAC to a $4,000 retail DAC might not be as big of an improvement as you’d like. I’m going to estimate it will mostly be a different presentation with some very slight refinements. It’s a $2000-$5000 category.

To make a considerable improvement you would have to cross into another price bracket which is $6,000 up, retail. Or be patient and wait for a deal on a used market. A used $4000 DAC that retailed for $7,000-$8,000 new should be a good option.

I know you said you don’t need a built in preamp and or streamer. I would encourage you not to overlook some candidates that include one or both options. 

@audphile1 

+1 

@audphile1 

I have no idea whether that’s a typo. I’ve noticed similar pricing from time to time for other used, high-demand components. 

I’ll add my +1 to @ghd’s regarding your advice on DAC tiers, though.  

It’s not even $100 cheaper than new.
Who buys this stuff? If you can purchase a brand new component with warranty direct from the manufacturer for only $50 - $100 more, why would you buy used from TMR? Makes zero sense…

@twoleftears 

I agree 100% about waiting for more reviews before I act.