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  1. May 26, 2023, 04:04 PM #51
    nicoff
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    Re: DAC suggestions $6k and under?

    Quote Originally Posted by 2FlyingYorkies View Post
    So far I'm finding both of these relatively inexpensive DACs (SMSL D400ES and Topping D90SE, to be specific) to be considerably more competent than the DSJ. More life, more energy, deeper and tighter bass, crystalline highs, veils lifted, the whole audiophile 9-yards. Haven't really found a downside yet. Certainly not enough to make me want to spend 6x more on a Holo May or Bricasti M3, at least not at this early stage of things. Now, it is a very literal rendition of the music - no color or editorials added. It's a very different sound from the PS Audio, which was all about smoothing things out and adding a little 3rd-order euphoria. So I guess we've figured out that I like the more analytical side of digital conversion. Maybe that's because I was never a vinyl guy, and have generally disliked the sound of tubes. Anyway, it's early days, and maybe I'll find the warts as I move through different music. Time will tell. Not sure which of the two is my favorite yet, though. They're quite similar to each other, but not identical.
    Any additional feedback on the two DACs?
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  2. May 27, 2023, 09:50 PM #52
    Mr Peabody
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    Re: DAC suggestions $6k and under?

    Just learned of the Lab12 Ref DAC1 at $3290.00 which is said to sound outstanding. It's a non-oversampling DAC. However, it does use a couple of triode tubes in the output. Part-time audiophile did a review. Also, the person who told me about the DAC says it sounds better than a slightly more expensive DAC I was talking about, for what that is, worth.
    Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB,
    Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
    Clear Audio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
    Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables

    HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
    SVS PC13 Ultra
    Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
    Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
    Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer
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  3. May 29, 2023, 04:12 PM #53
    Audioseduction
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    Re: DAC suggestions $6k and under?

    I recommend the Holo Audio May KTE DAC. I feel it can easily compete with your 15K+ DACs no problem. I ENJOY mine very much!!!
    George
    -----------------------

    Aurender ACS10 Music Server > Holo Audio May KTE R2R Ladder DAC > Pass Labs XP-30 Preamp > Pass Labs XA160.5 Class A Mono Blocks > Martin Logan Renaissance ELS 15A Speakers

    Powered By 2X BPT 3.5 Signature Plus Ultra Isolator | Shunyata Research Hydra Triton + Typhon | Shunyata Hydra 2 Power Conditioner
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  4. May 29, 2023, 10:20 PM #54
    Mr Peabody
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    Re: DAC suggestions $6k and under?

    Did you hear one first or buy on chance? We have the same ACS10, how would you describe the May sound?
    Quote Originally Posted by Audioseduction View Post
    I recommend the Holo Audio May KTE DAC. I feel it can easily compete with your 15K+ DACs no problem. I ENJOY mine very much!!!
    Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB,
    Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
    Clear Audio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
    Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables

    HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
    SVS PC13 Ultra
    Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
    Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
    Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer
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  5. May 30, 2023, 01:58 AM #55
    Puma Cat
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    Re: DAC suggestions $6k and under?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody View Post
    Did you hear one first or buy on chance? We have the same ACS10, how would you describe the May sound?
    It sounds like a Schiit Gungnir Multibit.
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  6. May 31, 2023, 06:58 AM #56
    wisnon
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    Re: DAC suggestions $6k and under?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    Hey Norman, you coming to Munich this year?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
    Just saw this. Not this year, bbut probably next. Would love to do your Fla show next year too.
    NORMAN
    Custom PC with Memory Player Software Suite/ Modded Denon CD transport>Lampi GG1 (and sometimes PACIFIC) DHT tube Dac> Rowen 850W Isolating Transformer/ Rowen SS Preamp and PA1 monoblocs/Lampi Silk power cond. with Phase flipper> Heil AMT KITHARA & Syrinx in parallel hookup. Swiss cables (Reference line) for PC/interconnects and speaker cables. Goldmund Sweetcord PC. FTA Callisto unpowered USB cable. Basic analog: vintage Lenco L78 TT with Rowen mat, Denon MM cart, iFi iPhono2 with 15v Hynes SR3 LPSU. Synology 12 TB NAS. 2nd system:KenWin Bluetooth speaker 3rd system TBI Millemnium amp with Aulos speakers and SB Duo hookup.
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  7. June 2, 2023, 04:50 PM #57
    Audioseduction
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    Re: DAC suggestions $6k and under?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody View Post
    Did you hear one first or buy on chance? We have the same ACS10, how would you describe the May sound?
    I watched a few reviews and even spoke with the re-seller in more detail. My system is extremely revealing. The DAC is very detailed but without sacrificing musicality. It provides a highly detailed robust bass without it sounding sloppy. Both mids and highs are very clear and natural sounding. The DAC provides a very relaxing and enjoyable presentation in my system. Even after 9 months of ownership, it's still a jaw-dropping experience for me. The build quaility is 2nd to none.
    George
    -----------------------

    Aurender ACS10 Music Server > Holo Audio May KTE R2R Ladder DAC > Pass Labs XP-30 Preamp > Pass Labs XA160.5 Class A Mono Blocks > Martin Logan Renaissance ELS 15A Speakers

    Powered By 2X BPT 3.5 Signature Plus Ultra Isolator | Shunyata Research Hydra Triton + Typhon | Shunyata Hydra 2 Power Conditioner
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