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Looking for a DAC

Looking for a DAC that sounds at least as good as my Cary 306-200 CD player. I tried a Schiit Gungnir the sound stage wasn't close. It also wasn't as extended in the frequency ranges, at least in my system. Schiit said to give it 100 hrs, I gave it 250. My system consists of, Simaudio Moon P-5 Simaudio Moon W-5 into Revel Salon Speakers.
Thank you ahead of time for responding to my forum.
simone
foster_9
1,638 posts
 
Benchmark DAC2 HGC
bhobba's avatar
bhobba
303 posts
 
Chord QuteHD. Contains the same technology as a previous DAC they made at about $9-10K but only costs $1.5-1.7k depending on how you get it. I compared it to the DAC's I have that cost $6-8k. It bested two of them and was close to a third. Very serious stuff indeed and drop dead value. It does get better though with an external power supply and USB converter like the Off-Ramp - that's when it takes on the more expensive stuff - still good mind you without it but really world class doing that.

I would be careful of the Benchmark - many people like myself find it dry, uninvolving, and analytical - make sure you hear it in your system first.

Thanks
Bill
foster_9
1,638 posts
 
Bhobba, two questions:

Are your comments referring to the Benchmark DAC1 or the Benchmark DAC2 HGC?

How's the bass weight on the Chord QuteHD and where can it be purchased?
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