DAC recommendation
 

Hi Gang,
I've got a good buddy who's looking to upgrade his DAC. He's got a Schiit Gungnir Multibit right now, but is looking for something that is more natural- and analog-sounding. He's got a first-class analog setup and is looking for a DAC that gets him closer to that. He's thinking an Yggy likely won't get him where he wants to be.

Budget is up to $6K, and delta-sigma DACs are not under consideration.

Thanks in advance.

-PC

Easy. Bricasti M3. It is killer for that price.

PS Audio Directstream is fantastic

Aqua La Voce S3 or La Scala. I also own the Directstream and prefer the La Voce S3.

Given that budget I think this would be my choice as well. PS Audio keeps improving the DAC with many firmware releases and each time it only makes it even better. Also, the bridge II add-on card makes it convenient for streaming from a NAS. Plus, it simplifies the system as it saves some shelf space and cabling.

Thanks, guys.

While I've heard the Bricasti M1 and thought it was excellent and was very impressed with it (it's the best delta-sigma DAC I've ever heard), and have read many positive things about the PS Audio Directstream DACs, both are delta-sigma DACs, and my guess is won't be considered by my friend.

The Aqua La Voce S3, OTOH, is an R2R ladder DAC and might be right up my buddy's alley, and...it was an Ethernet input, so he can go straight from his OpticalModule via Ethernet into the Aqua La Voce. :thumbsup:

Thanks for the recommendation, guys.

I've owned the La Voce since it was an S2 and at that point the Directstream beat it out but once the La Voce came back from it's trip to Italy for the S3 upgrade and got a couple of hundred hours on it the Directstream Sr. got moved to the Office. Would love to try the new streamer at some point. No USB anywhere.

I agree, own one; and a Bricasti dealer. :ok: