Help Me Choose a DAC

Audiophilehi

Audiophilehi

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Joined
Apr 5, 2013
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706
Location
Staten Island, New York
Looking for a stand alone DAC. I currently use the DAC's in my Oppo-UDP-205 and McIntosh c2500.


I need a DAC that is capable of decoding DSD. So the Schiit Audio Yggdrasil would not be an option. :tears: MQA would be a plus as well but not a deal breaker.


Here's what I'm looking at so far. Would prefer to keep it under $3,000.00


HoloAudio Spring Kitsuné Tuned Edition Level 3
Mytek HiFi Brooklyn DAC+
Benchmark Media Systems DAC3 HGC
Auralic Vega


Thanks
 
Paul
The Holo Spring Level 3 is a very good sounding DAC too. It has no problem with DSD512. No MQA though.

Audiophilehi said:
Looking for a stand alone DAC. I currently use the DAC's in my Oppo-UDP-205 and McIntosh c2500.


I need a DAC that is capable of decoding DSD. So the Schiit Audio Yggdrasil would not be an option. :tears: MQA would be a plus as well but not a deal breaker.


Here's what I'm looking at so far. Would prefer to keep it under $3,000.00


HoloAudio Spring Kitsuné Tuned Edition Level 3
Mytek HiFi Brooklyn DAC+
Benchmark Media Systems DAC3 HGC
Auralic Vega


Thanks
Click to expand...
 
I say find a used or demo PS Audio JR or a demo unit. Or go the Holo Level 3 sounds pretty darn good in NOS mode and it handles DSD512 . Had a Brooklyn + to thin for my taste
 
I had the Vega in for a few months waiting on the new MSB - it was awful sounding. It has a peppy beginning that sucks you in, but then you realize how fake digital everything sounds. My digital listening fell 75%. ymmv.

I'd try the Holo in that price range.
 
CommandPerformanceAV said:
Ive owned an Auralic Vega DAC, which I enjoyed for many years. But at this point I'd give the nod to the Chord Qutest, even though it's less expensive ($1800). The Qutest has even more resolution than the Vega, but overall better soundstage depth / width and smoother overall. Don't let the name & the little box fool you : it's a very impressive piece!

The other alternative would be the upcoming NAIM ND5 XS2 @ $3500 : slightly above your budget, but it's also a streamer. Haven't heard it yet - as it hasn't released yet (should be in October). But if it's as impressive as the Naim Unity products, it should be great.
Click to expand...

KeithR said:
I had the Vega in for a few months waiting on the new MSB - it was awful sounding. It has a peppy beginning that sucks you in, but then you realize how fake digital everything sounds. My digital listening fell 75%. ymmv.

I'd try the Holo in that price range.
Click to expand...


Thanks guy's! Looks like I can eliminate the Auralic Vega.
 
Paul
Here is a shot in the dark. If it is 80% of the Terminator it is a winner winner chicken dinner. I have no first hand experience with the Venus but I do with the Terminator.
https://www.denafrips.com/venus
Depends on the sound characteristics your looking for in a DAC. I don’t think anyone has asked you that yet.
 
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