DAC Time Again - - -- Help :)

[Grasshopper]

Happy Thanksgiving all! I'm grateful for a lot of things, family, friends, and good music---

I've done a ton of system upgrades lately, and feel like I am getting close (it sounds actually pretty good).

My current DAC is the Mcintosh D100, which I know is a major weak link: (I have SF Aidas, being powered by a D'agostino S250...Future upgrades are preamp, and DAC).

I enjoy a warm colored, "Musical" sound. I do appreciate detail, and instrument separation. But am looking to be drawn in - over an analytical sound. As a movie example, I prefer watching Lord of the Rings and being "sucked in" over watching a BBC documentary on WWII if that makes sense.

I want to be entertained and drawn into the music, swept away ---- And I hate any perceived brightness. Realism is important, but being "warmed up" is a good thing-----


...so my search for the right "Flavor" of DAC has begun.

I've ordered the Yggy Less is More based on the Steller reviews. Im considering buying a used PS Audio Directstream DAC based on reviews that it is a warm/musical/detailed DAC to compare against the Yggy.

I've considered the Chord Dave, or a mid level dCS DAC as the "usual suspects" in the good DAC world.

I strongly prefer the $3,000-$5,000 price point (used gets me up to the $10K retail range). I can spend more, but if say the Yggy (or PS Audio) gets me 95% of the way there, I'm good.

At this stage, I don't want "subtle" upgrades.... Recognizing my D100 is way out of league with the rest of my equipment...I want a significant upgrade over it, but I don't want to pay an extra $5,000, $10,000 or $100,000 to have a Vivaldi stack if the $10,000 and under category gets me most of the way there. Most of my listening is Tidal streaming-

So please weigh in on your real world experiences in the Warm, awesome DAC world!


Yggy (Less is more...which is supposed to sound the best). vs. PS Audio Directstream DAC with bridge card. vs. dCS (rosinni or Bartok level)

Go AA Team!

[dkorbal]

I to am on a similar quest for better SQ out of a DAC. I started with Bluesound devices for whole house listening with a Vault2i connected to my main system. It was good for starters but later I added a oppo205 running through my C2700 preamp. I’m currently running Roon through the oppo205 but I just ordered a OpticalRendu to try out the USB in the C2700 DA2. My next step will be a separate DAC similar to the level you are considering. Although I’ve had no first hand knowledge, my research has lead me to consider Denafripe Terminator Plus and HoloAudio – May KTE DAC which are both R2R DACs. My understanding is the Denafripe is the warmer of the two but ymmv. Once again only six months of research but no listening comparisons. I believe there are others on here that are currently listening to these devices. Maybe they may chime in.

[bart]

Don't forget the streamer is as important as the DAC.
A good ethernet switch is also mandatory.

I've heard a lot of quite brilliant DACs, starting from a cheap AudioGD, over Auralic, iFi,... till the likes of Esoteric, MBL, Burmester, dCS, MSB and Mola Mola.
My funds are not unlimited, but I found a very good DAC I could afford.
I don't like warm or analytical, I like natural. That is exactly what the Tambaqui offers me.

Your speakers and amps can bear very high quality sources.
Do your research, audition at home.
And enjoy the journey!

[JemHadar]

If you can find one in immaculate condition, a McIntosh MDA1000 would be a good bet if you don’t require all the latest whistles and bells. I don’t think I will ever part with mine.

The Mola Mola Tambaqui is off the scale good, and if it wasn’t for my equally “hors catégorie” Analog Domain DAC1, the Tambaqui would be my first choice.

As Bart said, enjoy the journey…have fun

[bart]

Originally Posted by JemHadar

If you can find one in immaculate condition, a McIntosh MDA1000 would be a good bet if you don’t require all the latest whistles and bells. I don’t think I will ever part with mine.

The Mola Mola Tambaqui is off the scale good, and if it wasn’t for my equally “hors catégorie” Analog Domain DAC1, the Tambaqui would be my first choice.

I forgot to mention I've heard that high end DAC too.

[Puma Cat]

Easy.

Lampizator Baltic 3...MSRP is $5975. Trust me, this DAC punches WAY above it's "weight" class.

I have the Holo May KTE here also, and while it's a nice DAC, I prefer the Baltic 3. I find it quite a bit more engaging.

[dkorbal]

Stephen I was wondering if you were going to comment.

[joel_hifi]

I notice that you are looking for a DAC only. But soon enough, with the excellent amplification and speakers you have, you may be wanting to consider a steamer as well. And probably need to spend more/less the same amount in another box. Maybe worth considering a good streaming DAC from the beginning?

An excellent unit that I have auditioned not too long ago is the Meitner MA3. It has the advantage of combining both the DAC and a streamer. Supports PCM to 32/384, DSD128, DXD and MQA. It's Roon ready and can function as Roon end point.

I auditioned it within a pretty resolving rig Gryphon Essence pre+power and Joseph Perspective2 Graphene. I had the opportunity on that same session to compare it to the Lampizator Baltic 3. To my initial disbelief since I also like things on the more "musical" side the Meitner had a presentation as natural as the Lampi, but was to my ears more transparent, yet in a fairly relaxed way. I had come to audition the Lampi but the Meitner left an even bigger impression on me.

Tambaqui Mola Mola - the other top DAC I’d like to audition.

Chord - if you prefer it on the warmer side I’m not sure this would be the best avenue for you?

Holo May / Denafrips Terminator - the sweethearts of 2020/21, loads of reviews and users’ feedback online.

And if you like it very musical the Aqua LaScala is probably another contender.

Good luck with your search, keep us posted!

[Puma Cat]

Originally Posted by dkorbal

Stephen I was wondering if you were going to comment.

Yep...

The Holo May KTE kinda reminds me of....CH Precision and Soulution pres and amps. It's very, very clean, neutral, transparent, uncolored, it's got all that "audiophile hoo-ha" goin' on...blah, blah, blah.


I just don't find it...engaging or involving to listen to.

The Lampi makes...music.

[Grasshopper]

Originally Posted by Puma Cat

Easy.

Lampizator Baltic 3...MSRP is $5975. Trust me, this DAC punches WAY above it's "weight" class.

I have the Holo May KTE here also, and while it's a nice DAC, I prefer the Baltic 3. I find it quite a bit more engaging.

It sure looks cool.

I like the idea of a tube DAC.

Have you heard the Lampizator head to head with dCS or the other “big” boys?