Name your favorite DAC.

mresseguie · « **on:** 9 Jan 2019, 06:46 am »

Which DAC has given you the best SQ, toe tapping enjoyment of music, or just made you feel like your system sounds like a million dollar system?

nc42acc · « **Reply #1 on:** 9 Jan 2019, 11:57 am »

Denafrips Terminator.....

Samoyed · « **Reply #2 on:** 9 Jan 2019, 12:50 pm »

Nuprime Evolution DAC.

JLM · « **Reply #3 on:** 9 Jan 2019, 01:42 pm »

Have fun and hope you guys have deep pockets because this is a very fast moving target. So my choice would be a PS Audio DirectStream Senior, not because its the best (always a point of contention) but because the company continues to issue free firmware improvements.

marvda1 · « **Reply #4 on:** 9 Jan 2019, 02:13 pm »

so far the L.K.S. MH-DA004 DAC

nocrapman · « **Reply #5 on:** 9 Jan 2019, 02:37 pm »

RME ADI -2 DAC... and not just for the sound.
It has some unique features that make it more attractive than the competition.

That said I have a PSA Direct stream jr on the way...
I might be singing a different tune after trying that.

JLM · « **Reply #6 on:** 9 Jan 2019, 02:50 pm »

Quote from: nocrapman on 9 Jan 2019, 02:37 pm

RME ADI -2 DAC... and not just for the sound.
It has some unique features that make it more attractive than the competition.

That said I have a PSA Direct stream jr on the way...
I might be singing a different tune after trying that.

While shopping last summer looked long and hard at the RME, but it wouldn't do DSP and DSD. Went with the DirectStream Junior for it's free upgrades and server capability.

Samoyed · « **Reply #7 on:** 9 Jan 2019, 03:10 pm »

Quote from: JLM on 9 Jan 2019, 01:42 pm

Have fun and hope you guys have deep pockets because this is a very fast moving target. So my choice would be a PS Audio DirectStream Senior, not because its the best (always a point of contention) but because the company continues to issue free firmware improvements.

For me, that has always been part of the excitement. Just over the horizon I’ll find....

RDavidson · « **Reply #8 on:** 9 Jan 2019, 03:18 pm »

I've been very happy with my DirectStream Sr. for a few years now. Really fantastic DAC and definitely appreciate the continued product support from PS Audio. I think they might be approaching the limits of the current hardware (as firmware updates have been less frequent). I'm sure it has to do with project prioritization for PS Audio as well. Regardless, I feel zero need to get a new DAC any time soon. The sound is wonderful.

Chris Adams · « **Reply #9 on:** 9 Jan 2019, 03:20 pm »

Quote from: nc42acc on 9 Jan 2019, 11:57 am

Denafrips Terminator.....

+1

Peter J · « **Reply #10 on:** 9 Jan 2019, 03:58 pm »

When I saw the thread title, I couldn't help but think "Hmmmm, naming equipment, that's an interesting subject. You know, like Bob, or Phyllis or whatever.

Alas, I was disappointed...

To show respect, I address my equipment with honorific titles. Mr. Amplifier, Ms. DA converter, Sir speaker terminal, etc. Is that weird?

mresseguie · « **Reply #11 on:** 9 Jan 2019, 04:02 pm »

geowak · « **Reply #12 on:** 9 Jan 2019, 06:28 pm »

OK I will open up a can of worms..sort of
I have an older Benchmark DAC1 and a Schiit Bifrost Uber. But neither sound as good as my Bluesound Node 2 (internal NAD DAC) playing MQA albums.

debjit.g · « **Reply #13 on:** 9 Jan 2019, 06:36 pm »

Quote from: RDavidson on 9 Jan 2019, 03:18 pm

I've been very happy with my DirectStream Sr. for a few years now. Really fantastic DAC and definitely appreciate the continued product support from PS Audio. I think they might be approaching the limits of the current hardware (as firmware updates have been less frequent). I'm sure it has to do with project prioritization for PS Audio as well. Regardless, I feel zero need to get a new DAC any time soon. The sound is wonderful.

DS is a fantastic DAC (and I still own one since it was released) but obviously built to a price point. They are building a TS Signature version which is a cost no object DAC. Not sure how it will be priced.

Samoyed · « **Reply #14 on:** 9 Jan 2019, 06:51 pm »

I agree, the Bluesound node 2 DAC is very nice, especially with mqa.

jtwrace · « **Reply #15 on:** 9 Jan 2019, 07:47 pm »

Mola Mola Tambaqui

kingdeezie · « **Reply #16 on:** 9 Jan 2019, 08:20 pm »

To be a contrarian, I have yet to find a favorite DAC.

In the last few years I have had the PS Audio Perfect Wave, Meitner MA-1, Lampizator Lite 7, Schitt Yggdrasil, and currently the Mytek Manhattan 2.

All of them have had strengths and weaknesses. I have yet to find an endgame DAC.

Although, I have been very interested in trying a Chord Dave, but am holding out for the inevitable MK2 version which I imagine is coming soon.

orientalexpress · « **Reply #17 on:** 9 Jan 2019, 08:46 pm »

I pick up this cheap SMSL SU-8 Dac over the holiday.mine mine ,what a surprise how good this Dac sound.

Samoyed · « **Reply #18 on:** 9 Jan 2019, 09:32 pm »

There, just over the horizon....

ebag4 · « **Reply #19 on:** 10 Jan 2019, 12:02 am »

The upgrade from the Vinnie Rossi DAC 1.0 to the DAC 2.0 is some of the best money I have spent in audio, it certainly wasn’t an improvement I had to strain to hear, outstanding.

Best,
Ed