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https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl AUDIO FORUMS >> Digital >> So I'm shopping for a new DAC... https://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl?num=1723081022 Message started by Donnie on 08/08/24 at 02:37:02 |
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Title: So I'm shopping for a new DAC... Post by Donnie on 08/08/24 at 02:37:02 I've been through quite a few DAC's through the years and am getting the itch to buy something new. I've been listening through a Denafrips Ares II for quit a few years now and have been very satisfied with it. But I figure that it is time to pony up and see what has been improved in the DAC world. Do I move up Denafrips' line? Do I look at a Holo May? PS Audio? I'll say no more than $6K, unless there is something really good out there that would catch my attention. I'm open to suggestions. This will probably be a Christmas present to me, from me, so I will be getting serious about it in November. |
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Title: Re: So I'm shopping for a new DAC... Post by Bottlehead on 08/08/24 at 05:27:59 Donnie, I’m in the same boat. I have a Directstream dac (Mk I), and a Border Patrol dac that are my primary ones. (I have a couple of others, but they don’t seem to make it into my regular rotation). My research has been into the following: Directstream dac (Mk II) Holo May KTE Linear Tube Audio Aero (a new product for them) Space Tech Lab DA-512DSD-2-Super I have to say that mostly what I’ve done so far is confuse myself. I do like the idea of being able to change the sound with various tubes in the Space Tech Lab, but I don’t seem to be any closer to pulling the trigger on anything than when I started looking. I’ll be watching to see what recommendations you get. Good luck with your search. Randy |
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Title: Re: So I'm shopping for a new DAC... Post by kulafu on 08/08/24 at 14:15:53 From my experience, I have both the Holo May KTE and the STL DSD512 Super. I have had the Holo May since 2021 and the STL a few months so I think burn in is complete for a subjective comparison. In my opinion the STL is on par with the Holo May KTE but given its price point, if you were in the market for a new DAC, I would go for the cheaper version. The only data point I do not have with the STL is reliability and factoring the cost of rolling tubes. Bob |
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Title: Re: So I'm shopping for a new DAC... Post by Dominick on 08/08/24 at 14:24:09 Donnie….back earlier this year I went by Kamran’s for a listening session. He has the Holo Spring 3 KTE and I was blown away how great it sounded. I I can only bet that that Holo May DAC would be an end game DAC. While I’m not in the market for a DAC right now…I have always said that that Holo or Denefrips would be my top 2 pics, in that order. Moving up the Denefrips line sounds like a great plane as long as you are happy with the sound signature. But I would personally seek out a listening session with the Holo before I made a final decision. |
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Title: Re: So I'm shopping for a new DAC... Post by CAJames on 08/08/24 at 15:04:46 Quote:
Yes. Everyone I know says Denafrips does a great job with real SQ improvements as you move up the line, and if you like the Denafrips "house sound" you aren't going to be disappointed. Plus, you'll be able to add a DDC that will give you another SQ boost in the future. Or, if you want to go outside the box a little I also recommend Space Tech Labs: https://space-tech-lab.com/DA_Converters_USB-DACs/DAC.php They are a small Decware-ish company in Canada and make some really interesting stuff. I have their 300B amp and Super Tube Rectifier and am really happy with both, esp. for the money. For me, I've had a Terminator 2 and Gaia for about 3 years now and it just keeps sounding better and better as I upgrade other parts of my system. |
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Title: Re: So I'm shopping for a new DAC... Post by CAJames on 08/08/24 at 15:13:20 P.S. Vinshine Audio is getting out of the Denafrips business and is having a closeout sale until August 10th, so you can get a really good deal if you do it in the next couple of days. |
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Title: Re: So I'm shopping for a new DAC... Post by Hearafter on 08/08/24 at 23:59:01 Check out the Laiv Harmony Dac. Fantastic reviews and getting a lot of praise now. $2700 shipped with a 30 return with only $100 restocking fee and no shipping charges. Anyone looking for a DAC this would be a good choice to try out. I am considering trying one to see just how good my Lab 12 Reference stacks up. I do like Lab 12 better than my Gustard R26 but I haven’t compared it to many DACs https://www.laiv.audio/harmony-dac |
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Title: Re: So I'm shopping for a new DAC... Post by Hearafter on 08/09/24 at 00:06:45 Forgot to mention…a second DAC on my radar is the new LTA Aero tube DAC. Great reviews but $3950 with a 14 day return and 10% restocking plus shipping and 5% credit processing fee is a pricey tryout. https://www.lineartubeaudio.com/products/aero-dac-digital-analog-converter |
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Title: Re: So I'm shopping for a new DAC... Post by Gilf on 08/09/24 at 03:19:25 I’ve posted elsewhere in this forum about my relative unhappiness trying different DACs in my room over last year, yet I still feel like there is something to be gained just haven’t found it yet. For the popular DACs that make the news I feel like they add an alluring high end sparkle but never make up for what they lose in low end control. The musical paradise DAC is high on my interest list currently. The ability to swap caps and tubes make it very user tunable to your space. Though not as expensive off the shelf as the cool kid’s DACs, I have a feeling that some well matched high-end caps and quality tubes would make the end user pretty happy and be a similar investment. |
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Title: Re: So I'm shopping for a new DAC... Post by ArtMan on 08/09/24 at 18:26:12 Last year, I bought a used Holo Audio May DAC for $4k via AudioMart. You might want to consider a similar approach. |
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Title: Re: So I'm shopping for a new DAC... Post by Hearafter on 08/09/24 at 18:53:03 Space-Tech Lab is an intriguing option and was on my short list since I bought one of Al’s Super Rectifiers (STR). The STR was an amazing improvement but beware if something goes wrong it is a PITA as I am going through now. It is really a leap of faith. Al is great and stands behind his products but it is a test in patience to trouble shoot haphazardly with Al through countless emails. Additionally, you have to pay for shipping both ways to Canada no matter what goes wrong. To return it’s 20% restocking fee plus shipping both ways. Lastly, he only takes Zelle or bank transfer so you have really no recourse. I am not trying to bash Al as he is repairing my Super Rectifier which has a defective on/off switch, 2 defective sockets and it costs me $160 in shipping. Just be aware. |
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Title: Re: So I'm shopping for a new DAC... Post by Bottlehead on 08/10/24 at 07:24:06 Hey Donnie, I don’t know if you’ve seen this yet, or if you put any stock in The Audiophiliac’s reviews, but he has spent some time with the LTA Aero, and seems pretty impressed. duck://player/drwOEzSzBdE I will also say that I have several LTA components, including their Ultralinear amp, and they don’t disappoint. Randy |
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Title: Re: So I'm shopping for a new DAC... Post by Bottlehead on 08/10/24 at 07:26:58 OK, that link didn’t work. Try this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drwOEzSzBdE |
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Title: Re: So I'm shopping for a new DAC... Post by Rivieraranch on 08/10/24 at 15:17:13 I am not looking in the same league as you all with these $4,000.00 DACs. But my humble Schiit DAC fried and I am looking to replace it. |
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Title: Re: So I'm shopping for a new DAC... Post by Lon on 08/10/24 at 15:31:39 Jim, in your shoes I'd consider the Gain Cell DAC from PS Audio. I had one of these a few years and it is a GREAT DAC for the price. No longer made, but The Music Room is a very reputable source and has three at the moment: https://tmraudio.com/search-results-page?q=Gain%20Cell%20DAC This has a great preamp as well, but it's able to be switched out of the circuit if you don't wish to use it, and a good headphone amp. https://www.psaudio.com/products/gaincell-dac/ |
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Title: Re: So I'm shopping for a new DAC... Post by HockessinKid on 08/10/24 at 15:33:16 Jim, Below $600 Cambridge Audio CXN V2. Several options at Crutchfield Audio: https://www.crutchfield.com/S-eVa9Ow8mZji/p_779CXCV2G/Cambridge-Audio-CXC-v2-Lunar-Grey.html?XVINQ=GZ0&XVVer=18Z0&awcr=628600643996&awdv=m&awnw=g&awug=9007458&awkw=pla-842186994921&awmt=&awat=pla&gad_source=1 HK |
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Title: Re: So I'm shopping for a new DAC... Post by Donnie on 08/10/24 at 16:47:33 If I were looking at a semi accessible priced DAC, I think I'd consider something from these guys. https://geshelli.com/ The Cheap Audio Man carries on and on about them. |
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Title: Re: So I'm shopping for a new DAC... Post by Geno on 08/11/24 at 22:12:00 Jim, There is a Cambridge Audio CXN for sale on our classifieds. Recommended! Geno |
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