DAC recommendation

[johnnyb]

Hi guys,

I’m looking for a dac at the $1000~ range. My favorite sonic signature so far is the Neodio NR10 hd. Can anyone recommend something with a similar sonic signature with lower budget? Or your favorite pick for the budget?

I use a computer as a source, I dont mind having another protocol converting box to support that. My amp supports balanced inputs, so a solution with balanced output is favorable.

Thanks!

[DSkip]

I'm unfamiliar with the Neodio, but my favorite DAC's in that arena are the Marantz HD-DAC1 at $800 and the North Star Design Intenso at $1200. XLR is not an option on those, however I wouldn't let that determine my purchase in that price bracket.

[nc42acc]

Gustard DAC X20 Pro or the Topping DX7s

[Mechnutt]

I don't know anything about your current dac but how about a fully customizable DAC like the Musical Paradise. It has XLR and choice of caps, DAC chips and tubes. There are a lot of great user reviews on this DAC.

http://www.musicalparadise.ca/store/...&product_id=80

[Jack]

The Mk II version of the Musical Paradise is currently sold out. The Mk III version is to be released shortly with updated USB board. No word yet on other improvements or changes.

[johnnyb]

Thank you guys for the inputs I will go ahead and research them. This is not the first time I read recommendations about the topping and Gustard.

By the way I am also open to second hand purchases. So that might be a way to “stretch” the budget.

[Mike]

My favorite budget DAC is the new Chord Qutest.

[johnnyb]

Ok looks like the Gustard is currently the top contender.

To make things more complicated, what is the best way to feed it with I2S?

Can you guys also recommend a streamer to go with it?

[nc42acc]

What are you using to output I2S? You could use your PC to stream using ROON?

[johnnyb]

I’m not streaming I2S, I want to consider it since I heard it’s easier to obtain good quality than with USB.
How hard is it?