I am starting to shop for dacs. I tend to lean toward those who implement circuits based on their own unique designs versus using the same old chipsets like Sabre, Wolfson, etc.
I'm not needing a dac that has preamp capabilities. Not sure any could replace my abiding Dude.
I love my little Chord EX as it plays everything thrown at it so I am not looking for another $2000 dac that just sounds different. My system is pretty amazing in resolution right now so I cannot fathom what a more elite dac might bring in terms of detail, soundstage, etc.
Am considering:
Bricasti M1
Meitner MA-1
PS Audio Direct stream
Maybe an Ayre QB-9
Maybe a Lampi, but the manual switching between resolutions does not enhance a listening session imo
I'd like to find used and keep it under $6k.
Am I missing any potential players out there?