Well, I have thee different DACs in my system:
In my streamer (original Auralic Altair) , I have an ESS Sabre 9018-based DAC with configurable filters that I would say is the one I use least (I now use my Altair primarily as a streamer).
In my integrated (MA8900), I have the DAC2 module with the ESS Sabre 9028Pro that sounds a great deal richer than the Altair DAC, and which I feed from a dedicated Windows 10 Pro-based PC running Audirvana. No configurable filters, though. Music source is a Synology DS918+ connected via ethernet.
Lastly, I have a standalone DAC, the RME ADI 2 DAC FS (new edition) based upon the AKM4493, with all sorts of filters and configurable parameters. I stick with the new Short Delay Low Dispersion filter, which is just fabulous to my ears. This DAC is my favorite, by a long shot, and the one I use 99% of the time. (
https://www.rme-audio.de/adi-2-dac.html) I feed it from the Altair (which is fed from the same Synology DS918+, also via ethernet), and feed the analog out via balanced outputs to my MA8900. It is
heaven. I highly recommend you consider the RME.
Drew
reviving old thread, which deserves some love.
In the market for a DAC which place nice with Song Tower RT <= AVA Omegastar 260EX =< Parasound 2100 pre
Sources/Transport : CD, CCA, squeezebox Touch
so, what DAC? anyone tried Denafrips with their salk speakers?
Another option I see is get a AVA Dac & later change the pre also AVA??
TIA.