2. digital
  3. 141037-77081

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 2 responses by mzkmxcv

mzkmxcv
558 posts
 
The fact that you are using a tube will play a role if any upgrades would sound better or not.

The Benchmark DAC3 is ~$2K and is basically transparent, imparts almost no sound onto the music (whereas a tube DAC will). I never recommend tube gear, the same can be achieved with solid state and tone controls/EQ/DSP, and that will be a much more predictable experience (tube’s alter the frequency response based on the high impedance in the bass region of ported speakers, so those you should audition with your own speakers).
mzkmxcv
558 posts
 
@malacka

I have no statement on whether the Deanfrips will sound better or not (spec wise the Benchmark wins), but Denafrips has some business practices that I don’t like, such as not stating what DAC chips they use and even going as far as to scratch off the labels (photo is of the internals of their Terminator, which I am pretty sure uses the AKM 4493), whereas a lot of the Chi-Fi brands (and some American/European) even go as far to show the measurements they achieve with AP gear, just showing how confident they are in the products, that they not only hide nothing, but also let’s you see the performance. Even Schiit shows measurements of their new Modi 3.
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