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AUDIO FORUMS >> General Discussion and Support >> New DAC Suggestions
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Message started by Palomino on 11/29/24 at 16:15:51

Title: New DAC Suggestions
Post by Palomino on 11/29/24 at 16:15:51

Hi Guys, I've been casually looking for a new DAC. I'm not disappointed in what I am using now, but I am always searching to improve my 3D soundstage. It's really good now, but I always wonder if it can be improved. And, I always wonder if I can make the sound more analogue.

Currently, I am using a Mytek Brooklyn DAC+. This DAC offers two things that I probably won't want to give up in a new DAC.

1. It outputs balanced and unbalanced at the same time. Balanced goes to my Zbit and then to my 25th Zen. Balanced goes to amps driving the bass speakers and sub.

2. Remote. I'm lazy. I can use my phone with Audirvana to do the volume, but prefer to bypass the digital volume control.

I've heard Denefrips, Schitt, and PS Audio in my room and all sounded good but that was all pre-covid so I haven't heard much of the new stuff other than at Axpona and you can't really get a good read at shows.

Budget is around $2K. Maybe I could stretch to $3K but I'd rather not.

Any suggestions are appreciated. I think there are lots of great DACs out there. Just not sure of the balance/unbalanced simultaneous output. It's usually not a promoted feature even if it can output in this fashion.

Thanks

Title: Re: New DAC Suggestions
Post by Lon on 11/29/24 at 16:53:25

Vanessa Da Mata "Segue o Som" Sony cd

Title: Re: New DAC Suggestions
Post by CAJames on 11/29/24 at 17:40:35

Denafrips is still great post-COVID and does balanced and unbalanced output simultaneously. But no remote so YMMV, although once you get it setup there isn't anything to change except maybe the source if you have more than one. It also offers an upgrade path by adding a DDC to your existing DAC.

Title: Re: New DAC Suggestions
Post by Palomino on 11/29/24 at 17:51:07

Thanks. I saw a review video for the Denefrips Pontus 15 gen. the other day. Tempting.

Title: Re: New DAC Suggestions
Post by Donnie on 11/29/24 at 19:26:33

My vote is on the Pontus 15 also.

I'm on the fence if I'm going to buy one myself.
My Ares II is so good that I don't know if it is worth spending the $1900 on a new one.

I kind of have blown most of my Christmas money on a new SS integrated.

But I'm also looking at a streamer.

Upper middle class problems!

Title: Re: New DAC Suggestions
Post by Palomino on 11/29/24 at 20:45:52

I heard he terminator + (?) a few years back in my room and it sounded pretty sweet. That as before the Mytek though.

Title: Re: New DAC Suggestions
Post by Dennis on 12/01/24 at 04:20:02

I just purchased the new Holoaudio Cyan2. Was $1300 and many say it bests the Pontus even 15th edition. It’s a r2r nos DAC so no internal over sampling. There are lots of reviews and much written on it since it’s release in April I agree with what everybody has to say is truly an amazing buy. my system‘s pretty game right now and I absolutely love it especially with the Tori five

Title: Re: New DAC Suggestions
Post by Palomino on 12/01/24 at 13:40:12

Thanks. It’s on the list. I need to figure out if it simultaneously outputs balanced and unbalanced simultaneously. I ended up calling a Denefrips distributor to make sure the Pontus does.

Edit: I found via a post that it does output both simultaneously. I haven’t found a comparison to the Pontus 15th (yet).

Title: Re: New DAC Suggestions
Post by Tony on 12/01/24 at 15:41:48

To add to the discussion, I have had the Ares II, the Pontus (not the 15) and now have the Terminator II. All three have been excellent, and each one surpassed its predecessor. The Pontus was a step up in my system over the Ares II, but the Terminator II was a couple of steps up from the Pontus. If you stay in the Denafrips models and have the resources, I recommend highly the Terminator II.

Title: Re: New DAC Suggestions
Post by CAJames on 12/01/24 at 16:16:13

Just to follow up on Tony's post, Denafrips has released a series new models in the last few years: "2" then "12th Anniversary" and now "15th Anniversary." So depending on your tolerance for used gear and patience you can probably find a deal on an older version of a higher end model. Beyond that, my impression of the Denafrips vs. Holo question is a lot like the Decware Push-Pull vs. SET: you can't really go wrong with either. Another option might be Space-Tech Labs:

https://www.thebestamp.com/DA_Converters_USB-DACs/DAC.php

I'm pretty sure you can work with AL to get simultaneous balanced and unbalanced output if it isn't available stock.

Title: Re: New DAC Suggestions
Post by johnnycopy on 12/02/24 at 02:16:01

I can share my personal experience.

Had a holo spring 3 kte nos fully decked out with the better power supply, silver wire, better capacitors, etc. which the holo designer told me was 95% of the sonics of the holo May. I Had also added a Swiss fuse to it. It was great.

I Upgraded recently to a gustard x30 and certainly prefer the gustard.

It is the only dac I am aware of right now running 4 flagship-grade ESS Sabre 9039 PRO chips.

You can run it in nos mode or not with multiple filter settings to tailor the sound.

There are a number of reviews available online on the product.

Title: Re: New DAC Suggestions
Post by Palomino on 12/02/24 at 13:47:19

Thanks, the X30 looks interesting with that quad chip design. That would be at the high end of my range though.

Currently, I am thinking of toe-dipping into the R-2R world to see if I like that sound.

In that world, I am still looking for a review of the Cyan 2 vs Pontus 15th anniversary. All I have found is a comparison to the Venus II which, is basically what the Pontus 15th is now. Supposedly the boards even say Venus on them. In that comparison, one reviewer felt the Venus was significantly better, but cost significantly more. Well, supposedly that quality is now under $2K.

I am not against going to the used market. I looked for a used Cyan 2 but they seem to get snatched up within a day or so of being posted.

I may end up trying the Cyan 2 knowing that I can easily sell it while its hot. The 6 week wait time for new is a bit of a hurdle to me. I like to get new equipment in during the holidays when I have time to set it up, put some hours on it and spend time listening.

If the Cyan 2 is not what I'm looking for, I'd work my way up the chain and/or look beyond R-2R.

Title: Re: New DAC Suggestions
Post by will on 12/02/24 at 14:57:11

Hey Pal.

I have been looking at DACs too, I guess right now, looking seriously at the Musical Paradise, though I find the Gustard x30 compelling also, especially having really been enjoying my Gustard X20pro after mods for quite a few years. I don't know if the Musical Paradise can do both outputs or not. Looking around for information I found this Musical Paradise thread. In it there are some videos from Loic at Hifi Cave, for what its worth, one of them mostly comparing the Gustard R26 (resister ladder) to a Pontis and Venus, with a tease reference to his tuned up Musical Paradise at the end.

https://www.stereonet.com/forums/topic/612687-musical-paradise-mp-dx-dac/

Over the last few years I have almost bought an R26 many times, and they do come up used. I just never dove in because I have for the most part loved the Gustard I have, to me quite a bit faster and more resolving in musical ways than it was stock. Seems the Gustard R26 has gotten a lot of praise from reviewers in comparison to the Holo Spring and other less costly ladder DACs, my interest the same reason as yours... wanting to actually hear a decent ladder DAC in my setup that is a good quality for the money, while being pretty fast and clear. But I have not heard it, so.....

Title: Re: New DAC Suggestions
Post by kulafu on 12/02/24 at 16:35:28

I have a Pontus II that I may consider selling. I have transitioned to tube DACs. No remote control though....I also have a Holo May KTE for sale but may be beyond your price point. LMK.
Bob

Title: Re: New DAC Suggestions
Post by Palomino on 12/09/24 at 21:58:40

Thanks all for your input. I decided to buy the Cyan 2. Good reviews, lower cost and I think I can flip it easily if I don't like it. Also, I run DSD and the owner reviews said its even better and closer to the higher end May Dacs in running DSD.

I was also tempted on the Pontus II 15th anniversay. $500 more (on sale now) but decided to see what a lower cost unit can do first.

This is going to be interesting. My Mytek is pretty resolving and has a great great soundstage in my room. So, I will be interested to see what R2R brings to the table.

Title: Re: New DAC Suggestions
Post by LiquidBlue on 12/10/24 at 02:15:08

Interested in your impressions. The Cyan2 has been on my radar too.

Title: Re: New DAC Suggestions
Post by markv on 12/16/24 at 12:28:41

In your budget range is the Auralic Vega S1 Streaming DAC @ $1,999 + Upgraded PSU @ $1,000. It's received some nice reviews.

https://us.auralic.com/products/vega-s1

Title: Re: New DAC Suggestions
Post by Dominick on 12/22/24 at 14:51:26

Pal,

I think you have made a solid choice. It hits home on all points I would consider for a DAC….R2R ladder, torrodial power supply, true balanced outs, USB galvanic isolation, and no oversampling. While I am not in th market for a DAC, the Cyan2 would be my first choice in that price point.

Please keep us posted on your impressions.

Title: Re: New DAC Suggestions
Post by Palomino on 12/22/24 at 15:12:36

Well it’s supposed to arrive the 24th. Not even 3 weeks so happy about that. Supposed to take 6 weeks. I’ll give it some time and then post about what I hear.

Title: Re: New DAC Suggestions
Post by Dennis on 12/22/24 at 16:54:35

That is great, I did wait almost six weeks to the day. I'm still loving mine.