Best Dac under $2k?

[Madfonzy]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

Like MHDT Labs, Denafrips makes R2R DACs, though I do not recall if they use tube(s). In the review of a couple of their models in a fairly recent "Stereophile" the Denafrips models were compared to a 3rd R2R DAC, whose mfgr/model I've forgotten. Easy enough to search the Stereophile archives online if interested. Do recall that both companies, like MHDT, offer a few different DACs.

That third R2R DAC is the Holo May which I picked up xmas eve and I must say it is superb. It is out of the ops price range though. Before that I was using a Denafrips Ares2 which I bought second hand to try out a R2R. Very nice DAC, analogue sound, very clear vocals and nice soundstage. It does miss out on the high end treble and micro details though. For the price I would recommend though.

The Holo May on the other hand covers all of the above better but has the high end treble and micro details. Soundstage is also fantastic. I ended up going with this DAC from the online reviews and it measures well too. The noise floor is black in tracks with silence in them.

[Cohibaman]

Originally Posted by W9TR

If you can open the aperture to $2.5k then I’d highly recommend the R2R Schiit Yggdrasil as well.

That amount also includes fine delta-sigma products from Benchmark and Mytec.

+1

[Formerly YB-2]

If you are going to go to Schiit, then the Gungnir Multibit is also an R2R that receives excellent reviews and under $1000. However, no tubes in either the Yggdrasil or Gungnir.

[Cohibaman]

Originally Posted by Formerly YB-2

If you are going to go to Schiit, then the Gungnir Multibit is also an R2R that receives excellent reviews and under $1000. However, no tubes in either the Yggdrasil or Gungnir.

The delta-sigma is $899, Multibit bumps it to $1299.

[Cohibaman]

Schiit is now selling Yggdrasil GS (garage sale). Two Analog 1 cards in an otherwise complete new-production Yggdrasil for $1599. I’m not quite sure how I feel about a used board, but that’s a great price!


https://www.schiit.com/products/yggdrasil-gs

[W9TR]

That is a great deal. It also includes the Gen5 USB card in lieu of the newer Unison USB card. While I find the Unison card smoother the Gen5 card is compatible with older Wintel computers.

[George Prentice]

I’d save the tubes for the amp.

[Cohibaman]

Originally Posted by W9TR

That is a great deal. It also includes the Gen5 USB card in lieu of the newer Unison USB card. While I find the Unison card smoother the Gen5 card is compatible with older Wintel computers.

I had the Gen 5 USB on my Gungnir and upgraded to the Unison. It sounded horrible so I sent it back to be “downgraded” back to Gen 5. I don’t know if it was a defective board or wonkey software, but when I got the Gen 5 back, all was right with the world again.

[W9TR]

Bummer. It’s too bad you had to hassle with shipping and everything. I upgraded from Gen 5 to Unison myself and it went smoothly.

[sid325]

Schitt Yggy, love mine. +++