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Ideas for my next DAC....?

Requirements:

1- USB and Ethernet capable
2- Plays all/most hi-res formats
3- Can serve as my pre-amp/volume control with no SQ degradation

Price range: 6-10k used or demo

Tbh I'm really just starting to collect ideas to compare to my current DAC, which I actually like quite a bit, but just - as always - wondering "what else is out there".

Since retiring my Audio Note DAC, I haven't had a chance to listen to anything other than the DSD, which makes me itchy.  I loved the AN -- actually it sounded incredible -- but it's technology lost pace with the rest of my system (limited hi-res capability, no network connectivity option far as I'm aware, and I hadn't done USB so would have to send it in).
joncourage
gdnrbob
2,421 posts
 
Let's see:
Ayre Codex
Schiit Yggdrasil

Both are around $2k new, and will smoke just about anything out there.
Both companies offer upgrades, so obsolescence is deferred.
B
jond's avatar
jond
3,400 posts
 
If you like the AN DAC so much why not get a streaming device with the network connectivity you need and run that into the AN? That's what I do running an Aries Mini into an AN DAC-3 Sig, mine doesn't do hi-rez but pretty sure the more current AN DACs can do at least 24/96? Yours being an ANK and not AN I am not totally sure of its capabilities. You may find a DAC that pushes all the buttons you need but its going to be hard to recreate that AN sound. Just my opinion of course.
soix
2,133 posts
 
I'd add the Metrum Adagio.  Nice review (and Blue Moon award) in 6moons. 

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