Advice for a DAC

[Jcord]

Thanks to all your advice looks that isn't an easy choice. More I thought , because is my first DAC , to start from a good base with a maximum budget 7000$ ( Meitner MA01 ) and with time upgrade in the future if I will need it. So I upgraded the list:

Chord QBD 76 HDSD
Bryston BDA 2
Meitner MA1
Berkeley Alpha
Lampizator
Van Alstine FET
Metrum HEX
Analog DAC

I also erased the Bricasti M1 because reading reviews looks little bit better the Meitner and the same for Bel Canto that looks more a system "all in one" and I don't need the pre.
Regarding DSD really I don't need at the moment but i don't want close a window that in the future can force me to change the DAC
Somebody know the brand Aqua ?

[Priaptor]

Originally Posted by Jcord

Thanks to all your advice looks that isn't an easy choice. More I thought , because is my first DAC , to start from a good base with a maximum budget 7000$ ( Meitner MA01 ) and with time upgrade in the future if I will need it. So I upgraded the list:

Chord QBD 76 HDSD
Bryston BDA 2
Meitner MA1
Berkeley Alpha
Lampizator
Van Alstine FET
Metrum HEX
Analog DAC

I also erased the Bricasti M1 because reading reviews looks little bit better the Meitner and the same for Bel Canto that looks more a system "all in one" and I don't need the pre.
Regarding DSD really I don't need at the moment but i don't want close a window that in the future can force me to change the DAC
Somebody know the brand Aqua ?

"not for nothing" but when I was first introduced to the Analog, during it's initial introduction looking for a 2nd DAC for my 2nd home, I tried it out on my main system that contained a Meitner DAC2X. Well I was so impressed with the Analog, I knew the Meitner was history and ultimately got the Diamond. Well as a result of shooting my wad on the Diamond, I was left with no money for my second home, which brought me to the incredible HUGO, which I can also use portably.

The point is, while I think the Meitner is excellent, my preference (just speaking for myself) is the Analog. It really is a wonderful DAC and if there was just "one DAC" I could have on a moderate budget, that would be the one.

Also, don't sell DSD short. While those who want to argue DSD v. PCM, I won't as I believe the best recordings are those mastered the best, which means, some were mastered in DSD and some in PCM. I like to purchase the recording in the format and resolution closest to what it was mastered in. So it, IMHO, shouldn't be an "I don't need or like DSD" more than what was it mastered in and what is available in as it pertains to the recording.

[audio bill]

A correction regarding the Playback Designs models - the MPS-3 is a CD player & DAC, while the MPD-3 is the DAC only version.

[Jcord]

I'm reading good reviews about Playback Designe MPD-03 and more I found they supply Nagra that is a brand that I like very much for build quality and sound. So definitely this DAC to enter in the list owether if is little bit over the budget.
Regarding DSD I'm agree with Priaptor's advice so I will see DAC for DSD too

[cmarin]

Originally Posted by audio bill

A correction regarding the Playback Designs models - the MPS-3 is a CD player & DAC, while the MPD-3 is the DAC only version.

Thank you for the correction Audio Bill. Btw, there is a PD MPS5 listed on Audiogon for $6,450. And FWIW, PD's are renowned for their DSD playback.

[-E-]

Originally Posted by Jcord

Thanks to all your advice looks that isn't an easy choice. More I thought , because is my first DAC , to start from a good base with a maximum budget 7000$ ( Meitner MA01 ) and with time upgrade in the future if I will need it. So I upgraded the list:

Chord QBD 76 HDSD
Bryston BDA 2
Meitner MA1
Berkeley Alpha
Lampizator
Van Alstine FET
Metrum HEX
Analog DAC

I also erased the Bricasti M1 because reading reviews looks little bit better the Meitner and the same for Bel Canto that looks more a system "all in one" and I don't need the pre.
Regarding DSD really I don't need at the moment but i don't want close a window that in the future can force me to change the DAC
Somebody know the brand Aqua ?

Good lord you have a nice list going there...

BDA2/3 if you are just starting out and want to dabble (-3 if you want DSD).

AMR DP-777(SE) should be on your list next to the Aesthetix Signature version (which now does DSD).

For your system I like either the AMR or the Aesthetix - just because there are a couple-o-tubes in there which will grant some synergies to what you are already used to.

[soundslikemusic]

Berkeley Audio Design Alpha DAC Reference Series | The Absolute Sound

[Anatta]

Don't hurry to get the QBD76 as Chord will release its replacement in 2015.
I'd check the Primare DAC30 as well.

[Jcord]

I think now I can start a long period with that list for listen and decide from that DACs wich one to buy , I will upgrade the thread step by step for inform you
Thanks to everybody for the advices

[phunge]

Good luck with your search!