The big DAC decision


One of the challenges of building an audio system is trying to make sure that all of the individual components of that system have equivalent and compatible technical specifications. For example, it doesn’t make sense to purchase speakers that are capable of producing sound in the 5Hz to 20kHz range if your amp is only capable of sending audio signals in the 30Hz to 15kHz range to these speakers. Unless, of course, you hope to upgrade your audio system such that it can properly drive these speakers someday.

In my desire to build an audio system that has the proper balance of individual component capabilities I’ve found myself struggling over the choice of a DAC. Basic technical specifications aren’t necessarily applicable here. The foundation of my system is a Woo Audio WA-33 headphone amp and Focal Utopia headphones. My music files consist of standard CD 16bit/44kHz resolution to Hi-Res DSD files. What I’m struggling with is choosing a DAC that would allow me to get the most out of this amp and headphone pairing. From the research I’ve done so far it is clear that the $23k Meridian Audio Ultra DAC would bring out the best of any system it is connected to. But does it make sense to purchase a DAC of this quality (and price) for my humble headphone system? Or would it be more appropriate to get the Chord DAVE (setting the MQA format compatibility issue aside for this discussion)? I’m currently using an Oppo 105D as my DAC and the music sounds pretty decent, but I know my system can sound better.

So I was hoping to get some input from fellow audio enthusiasts out there to make what may be the most important decision of my system build. I’m also looking at getting a PS Audio DirectStream Power Plant 12 to power this system. Anyone out there have any suggestions or thoughts on this issue?


slvrsrfr
No, I can’t say I’m seriously considering buying the Meridian.  No more than I can seriously consider buying an Aston Martin.  It would be nice though, on both fronts.

The Chord DAVE might be a possibility though.  But, based on the input I’ve been getting, there are good alternatives to look into that may not be quite as expensive with similar performance attributes.
Seems DAVE has many things you don’t need, like a headphone amp and digital preamp.

why not find something more purpose built for what you are looking for?

how did you land on the Meridian Ultra?
I discovered the Meridian while doing a generic search for audiophile DACs.  The specs and reviews are very impressive, but I can’t say I ever seriously considered it for my system.

And you’re right dubulup, the Chord DAVE has extraneous features given my current setup.  From what I’ve read, however, it apparently provides an excellent quality analog signal, which is what I and everyone else is hoping to get out of their DAC.  This really gets to why I’m here looking for input from all of you.  Is there a DAC out there that can provide an analog signal on par with the DAVE without the additional built in amp baggage?

Some of the best DAC's to consider in this price-range are:

1) DaVinci 2

2) Aqua HIFI LaScala MkII

3) Resonnessence Invicta Mirius Pro

4) TotalDAC