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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
slvrsrfr OP
12 posts
 
I want to thank all of you for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience with me.  After following up on pretty much all of your suggestions I thought I should at least share my current direction on this.  Well it’s my current direction until someone points out that I’m making a grievous mistake anyway.  With that said, my DAC will be the Lumin X1 and, as soon as I can swing it, I will be getting an Audio Magic Oracle power conditioner to go with my Woo Audio WA-33 amp and Focal Utopia headphones.  I can’t think of a better way to spend time on my death bed when that eventuality arrives.

Cheers everyone,
SlvrSrfr
rwdawson
3 posts
 
I have a DAVE and I’ve never heard anything remotely as good. I haven’t auditioned the Meridian but I’ve heard the DAVE compared very favorably to it by those that have. With headphones I use the direct out and it’s wonderful. 
headphonedreams
95 posts
 
You could also check out Denafrips, they have many respected models. And Lessloss, PS Audio and HoloAudio. All these have been mentioned around the forums the last year. I haven't heard them myself but they seems worthy of investigation.

If you are looking for something more like the Meridian then you can check out TotalDac, dCS and MBL.
ferrox
48 posts
 
Moving from PS Audio Directstream DAC to Lampizator Golden Gate Balanced, I think you should at least audition any Lampi DAC. They sound amazing. :)
seegs108's avatar
seegs108
8 posts
 
At these price levels most of the DACs are state-of-the-art and it's really a preference of choosing the type of sound that you want or which DAC pairs best with the system you have. There is a very real point of diminished returns once we move past the $6000-$8000 price point.

My suggestion would be to try as many DACs as possible and chose the one which sounds best to you. A lot of the DACs mentioned allow you an in-home trial or can be listened to in-home from a good dealer. 
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