Hi All,
I’m looking for a DAC (with or without integrated streamer) for my main setup below:
Amp: McIntosh MA252
Speaker: Sonus Faber Sonetto V
Headphone Amp: Pathos Aurium
Mostly irrelevant to this topic but Technics SL-1200G with Ortofon Quintet Black and McIntosh MP100 for my turntable setup -
I’m undecided between the Naim NDX2 and Chord Hugo TT 2 but any other ideas in this price range would be more than welcome.
Might be also worthy mentioning that my portable setup is a Chord Mojo2 + Focal Clear MG
Many thanks!
Amin
Can highly recommend LuminT3 streaming DAC. Lumin gear is top drawer, sounds fantastic, and make rock solid Roon endpoints. Looks very nice too!
Since you have the MA252, would you not want to consider the McIntosh MDA200? Should help ensure some synergy for your system.
I also recommend the Schiit Yggdrasil, OG or one of the newer versions.
Thanks for your recommendation, will try to audition one.
Thanks - MDA200 is a good idea and I like it being “future proof” - need to audition it
I recommend you listen Prima Luna Evo 100 DAC. It is a different technology, because the clock is based in a Vacuum tube, but the sound is absolutely amazing.
Un advice. Listen in PCM but also in DSD. You can convert with Roon.
Pretty interesting, will try it - thanks
I will second the Schiit Yggdrasil OG recommendation. It’s fabulous in my system, and a bargain. Some do not love the softly clicking relay at sample rate changes, nor the simplicity / lack of features. But I think the implementation in both digital and analog is remarkable for the price, and stands with many priced far higher that I’ve heard in my home. I could not be happier with mine. I also have the Yggdrasil Less Is More (LIM) in a system in my second home and love that too, but it’s synergy is more with hyper-accurate modern systems (vs the acoustic suspension, tube pre-amp system I have in my primary).
A friend has the Schiit Yggdrasil. It’s wonderful.
You’ve got Chord gear, why not the Hugo? I use a Qutest and it is quite good. I think the Hugo is in another league.
Don’t know what your budget is… but you won’t go wrong with the PS Audio Directstream DAC Mk II
it’s about twice my budget but thanks for the reco
Then get the Mk 1. That’s what I have. You can get it for half the Price of the mk2, probably less
Here’s one that just came up for sale, slightly lower end from the one I recommended…
Holo Audio Red end point, Holo Audio May KTE DAC, all using HQPlayer Desktop upsampling to DSD256…
The Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE DAC would be a great choice if the May is out of your budget. It’s 95% as good as the May.
My experience suggests that with the sunlight firmware, there’s not as much in it, as with previous editions.
Sorry didn’t understand
what about the Auralic Altair G2.1?
I like the sound of the Naim ND5 XS2 streamer. Been reliable for a couple years now. Liked the first one in the music room so much I bought a second one for my living room.
Check out Wyred4sound