Best DACs under $5K (2019 Version)

nc42acc

nc42acc

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Since the $50k thread got some all butt hurt lets see everyones recommendations for DACs under $5k. This is a 2019 version thread so no three year and older models that keep hanging around. Ok maybe the Yggdrasil. Lets keep it fresh and current digital relative.

I will throw the Denafrips Terminator in the first hat. Really excels in conveying microdetails and space.
 
Thanks for removing a zero Marty !

back to earth, I'll be watching this thread with some interest .......
 
nc42acc said:
Since the $50k thread got some all butt hurt lets see everyones recommendations for DACs under $5k. This is a 2019 version thread so no three year and older models that keep hanging around. Ok maybe the Yggdrasil. Lets keep it fresh and current digital relative.

I will throw the Denafrips Terminator in the first hat. Really excels in conveying microdetails and space.
Click to expand...

The Denafrips has no network capability and can't be used as a Roon endpoint?
 
Jack I am curious about the new Auralic Vega G2. It is in the $5k range and has network capabilities and I think can be a Roon endpoint.

Jack said:
The category is DAC's not network streaming devices. They are bonus traits for those that want them.
Click to expand...
 
Jack said:
The category is DAC's not network streaming devices. They are bonus traits for those that want them.
Click to expand...

Is it really that simple? Aren't more and more DACs being sold that have network capability built in?
 
mep said:
The Denafrips has no network capability and can't be used as a Roon endpoint?
Click to expand...

Mark a lot of DACs don't have a network connection including the MSB unless you buy the little Network Renderer V1 or V2 module. And with the MSB you have to have the V2 module to get the Roon input.
 
CPP said:
Mark a lot of DACs don't have a network connection including the MSB unless you buy the little Network Renderer V1 or V2 module. And with the MSD you have to have the V2 module to get the Roon input.
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Chris-I understand that, but I thought the trend in DACs is leading to having them include network capability.
 
nc42acc said:
Jack I am curious about the new Auralic Vega G2. It is in the $5k range and has network capabilities and I think can be a Roon endpoint.
Click to expand...



The under $5 k crowd, well
Denafrips Terminator
Denafrips Venus
PS Audio DSJ
T&A DAC 8 DSD
Luxman DA-06
Bryston BDA-3
Spring LV3
Chord Qutest, but I would like to hear the HugoTT2

I'm sure there are others
 
Well, it's 2019 and I don't want to be stuck with a DAC that has no network capability.
 
Mark you are a good candidate for the PS Audio Directstream with the Bridge installed. Doesn't get much easier and consolidated.

mep said:
Well, it's 2019 and I don't want to be stuck with a DAC that has no network capability.
Click to expand...
 
nc42acc said:
Mark you are a good candidate for the PS Audio Directstream with the Bridge installed. Doesn't get much easier and consolidated.
Click to expand...

Read my updated signature. I recently purchased a DSJ and a Roon Nucleus Plus.
 
nc42acc said:
Since the $50k thread got some all butt hurt lets see everyones recommendations for DACs under $5k. This is a 2019 version thread so no three year and older models that keep hanging around. Ok maybe the Yggdrasil. Lets keep it fresh and current digital relative.

I will throw the Denafrips Terminator in the first hat. Really excels in conveying microdetails and space.
Click to expand...

That would be great. The Yggdrasil just excels on timbral micro-detail, e.g., on solo violin and string quartets, where you can hear the most subtle friction of bow against strings, and micro-oscillations and resonances on strings/body of instrument. I now hear this through my high-resolution system (I couldn't with my previous speakers, also Ref 3A). If the Denafrips Terminator could combine such freakish, uncanny ability at timbral micro-detail with the weight and richness of tone that is consistently described in any and all reviews, that would be ideal.

Thanks, Marty, for raising my interest in the Denafrips Terminator with a post a few weeks ago.
 
At under $5k to me this is a pretty simply choice; T+A DAC 8 DSD.... but if you do not care about DSD Yggdrasil is pretty darn good...

1) T+A DAC 8 DSD
2) ...
3) ...
4) Schiit Yggdrasil
5) Wyred 4 Sound DAC-2v2SE 10th Anniversary Edition
6) PS Audio Direct Stream Junior
 
nc42acc said:
Congratulations Mark! What prompted the Roon Nucleus over using the Bridge II? Using it for music storage?
Click to expand...

The Roon Nucleus Plus is strictly a server running on Linux and it does not store music. The DSJ is the Roon endpoint. They are both connected to the network via Ethernet.
 
While it just came out, I think the Mytek Brooklyn Bridge looks interesting. Roon end point, wired and wireless access and MQA for $3k.
 
Lumin T2
Lumin D2
Chord Qutest
Bryston BDA3
T+A DAC 8 DSD
Yggy
I would say Hugo TT2, but it’s a little over $5k.


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