2. digital
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DAC upgrade

Greetings,

I am currently using a Jolida Tube DAC. I'm quite happy with it but as we all know, unknown temptations are as luring as known ones.

So, the question is this: what DACs would you suggest as a noticeable/audible upgrade for no more than, say, USD3000?

The DAC is fed from a ProJect transport and a dedicated pc, holding a few thousand uncompressed CDs and SACDs; and it feeds into an Ayon Triton III amp, driving Focal Be speakers. The cables are at the level of the and the speakers. I'm only mentioning these components to give an idea of the possible constraints on "audible difference".

One more thing: while it is interesting but of little help to know that DAC x, y or z is very good - I know that there are many good components out there. What would be useful if people familiar with both the Jolida and the possible upgrade (used in the same system) could offer some advice, possibly explaining the actual difference they could hear.

Last: I'm not in a hurry and will be happy to listen to opinions advising against replacing the DAC as long as other components remain the same.

With thanks,


Csaba

128x128malacka

Showing 1 response by mahler123

mahler123
633 posts
 
The Benchmark is a good recommendation but be forewarned will probably sound very different than the Jolida.  Mytek Brooklyn will also be in your price range and be very different from the Jolida.
  I have a Bryston DAC3 which currently goes for around 4 K but you may get a Demo in your budget.  Some people describe it as Tube like but I wouldn’t.  It’s detailed and musical without being overly clinical.  I am currently using it with tubed Cary preamp and there is great synergy here but it also sounded great with my Parasound JC2 preamp.  The Bryston also has HDMI inputs and I use an Oppo 105 and a Sony 5400ES to directly input the DSD from SACDs, so if you still have your SACDs and a player to output them you can take advantage of that feature as well.
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