[audiogurujax]

I am looking for my next DAC, I have a Budget of $2500 it can be new or used so far I have take in consideration

Gustard X20 Pro
Auralic Vega
Holo Audio
Aqua la voce
Lampizator Used (basic model)


I am open to suggestions, I mostly hear Jazz and classic rock, Most files in my collection are 96 or 192 analog rips.

Thanks

[rpf]

A new Lampizator Amber II comes in under your budget. (I reviewed it here on AC). According to Fred & Berto, better than a older Level 4.

[rajacat]

 MP-D2 AK4490 XMOS BALANCED DAC DSD DOP 384Khz
TUBE DAC $1000

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=148213.msg1591331#msg1591331

[zoom25]

- Crane Song Solaris
- Dangerous Music Convert-2

[JLM]

Schiit Yggdrasil?

[zoom25]

Schiit Yggdrasil?

2 people brought in Yggy to compare with the Convert-2 and ended up returning the Yggy. The Convert-2 sounded more musical to them, which makes sense as many engineers are in love for using the Convert-2 as a pitching DAC.

[Armaegis]

The Schiit Yggdrasil is one of the best dacs I've heard and comes in under budget at $2300.

My personal dac right now is a Prism Lyra/Callia which I would put on nearly equal footing with the Yggy. The Prisms exists in the same pro audio bracket as the Dangerous and Polaris, though I have not heard either of those myself.

[JLM]

Chord 2Qute (basically is a Hugo without headphone output).  Chord DAC's use unique programable FPGA converter chips.  Does a particularly good job with Redbook.

Oppo Sonica (ESS ES9038PRO chip, very flexible (formats/controls/connections), fully balanced design

[roscoeiii]

Chord 2Qute (basically is a Hugo without headphone output).  Chord DAC's use unique programable FPGA converter chips.  Does a particularly good job with Redbook.

Oppo Sonica (ESS ES9038PRO chip, very flexible (formats/controls/connections), fully balanced design

Or wait a lil bit for the Hugo 2 from Chord. Seems like some trickle down from their flagship Dave...

[bacobits1]

The best advice as always is listen yourself.
Lot of confusing reviews out there.
You will have a different opinion for as many people commenting here.
I have the Yggdrasil and would not part with it.

Oh, don't forget Exogal too.

[Freo-1]

Easy.  Benchmark DAC-3. 


Sounds and measures outstanding.

[zapper7]

Rock solid company, A+ rated DAC, personally used it for classic rock too.........NAD M51.....I was listening to my old ACDC, Black Sabbath, Eagles and the like discs with new appreciation

[Bemopti123]

No one even mentioned Metrum? 

[shauk786]

Or the Nuprime DAC-10H at $1795.00 - One of the best DAC I have ever heard. Comes with a great headphone Amp as well.

[demodisc9]

Yggy.

[jarcher]

Upcoming Chord Hugo 2 or an Ayre Codex (but get it before the price increase 1 April). 

Auralic Vega at new lower price is a great value, but I'd still hold out for the upcoming Hugo 2.

[I.Greyhound Fan]

What type of sound do you like?  Slightly warm, neutral or very detailed and clean which can sometimes lean a little to the sunny side.

If you don't need DSD, consider the Aqua.  I have a friend that had a Yiggy and PSA DSD.  He sold them and got the Aqua La Voce and loves it.

[audiogurujax]

thanks a lot for all the replies so far this is my list of contenders


Gustard X20 Pro - New
Exogal - New
PS Audio DirectStream DAC - Used
Schiit Yggdrasil - New
Aqua La Voce - New
Dangerous Music Convert-2

Vote for one LOL

[mr_bill]

Good list.

I wonder about the new Oppo Sonica Dac although I've seen reviews from...............better than Direcstream..........to not a giant killer and no way.

[audiogurujax]

what Oppo Sonica better than PS audio Direct Stream Dac?