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Best DAC for over 2000

I recently purchased a PS Audio DSD Directstream DAC. I had the Perfectwave DAC and found it to be very good but the DSD DAC was just phenomenal by comparison. With the upgrade deal I paid 4000 for the DSD DAC (6K new) but now I am wondering if I should also pay to keep and upgrade my Perfectwave for another 3K or just look for another DAC. I have 2 different music rooms and could use 2 DACs. Is there anything out there that compares?
jyprez
hgeifman
1,193 posts
 
I also have a Bricasti M1 SE DAC for my audio system.  It runs direct into my Hypex NCore NC400 Bridged Mono Block class D Power Amplifiers.  I am not using a pre-amplifier.  The Bricasti M1 SE DAC is an excellent sounding DAC and I like mine very much.

The Prism Sound Callia DAC I mentioned above is for my video system using optical (TiVo cable box) and coaxial (Sony Blu-Ry player) inputs only (no USB input).


georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
4,966 posts
 

hgeifman:  Remember to calibrate the maximum output voltage, so Bricasti M1’s volume control is used in it’s top 1/4 of full output, so there’s no chance of "bit stripping" when the volume is use too low.

My friend has one of these and also uses it direct, and he finally got around calibrating the volume so it used almost at max, and he said it did sound so much better then.


Cheers George

b_mueller
14 posts
 
Chord Dave.

rja's avatar
rja
2,112 posts
 
Aesthetix - Pandora Eclipse
You can get volume control if you want it.
You can get DSD if you want it.
ejr1953
542 posts
 
I have enjoyed a PS Audio DirectStream DAC for now about 18 months, no plans to change.

My dealer highly recommends the Bricasti M1, thinks it's a step up from the PS Audio.  He's not steered me wrong on any of my purchases.  I'm perfectly satisfied with the PS Audio, but if I wasn't, I'd consider the Bricasti.
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