Dear ASR experts,
In past weeks I've spent hours reading about DACs on this great forum.
I'm getting overwhelmed by all options, so perhaps one of you can help me with a recommendation.
I play my FLAC collection from a Pi4 with DAC2 HD, connected (1 ft) to my Quad 303 amp which connects (10 ft) into my Quad ESL 63 US Monitors.
I plan to replace the DAC2 HD with a stand alone DAC.
What DAC would you suggest (and does it makes sense to do this replacement)?
I do not need a headphone connection, my Quad 303 is perfectly happy with 2.5 V RMS output, so no need for preamp.
For some type of music I apply minimal EQ bass boost on the DAC, but most of the time everything is flat.
I compared the DAC2 HD with a Chromecast Audio DAC (temporarily using a NAD917 preamp as switch).
After listening for multiple hours to various music types the DAC2 HD sounded better, but I'm not sure if I would survive a blind test.
I've been looking at SMSL DL200 to replace the Pi4 DAC2 HD.
However, given my ESLs I might just as well opt for a Topping D90 MkIII or the SMSL D400EX.
Both had excellent test results from Amir.
These are substantially more expensive (and I'm curious about Topping's 'valve' filter), but they might be better to "get over it" and continue enjoying music rather than having second thoughts about my choice.
On the other hand, perhaps the contribution of any type or brand of DAC on my ESL setup may be marginal.
Perhaps the best option is to buy several (which?), do a listening test, and return all but one.
Suggestions, anyone?
In past weeks I've spent hours reading about DACs on this great forum.
I'm getting overwhelmed by all options, so perhaps one of you can help me with a recommendation.
I play my FLAC collection from a Pi4 with DAC2 HD, connected (1 ft) to my Quad 303 amp which connects (10 ft) into my Quad ESL 63 US Monitors.
I plan to replace the DAC2 HD with a stand alone DAC.
What DAC would you suggest (and does it makes sense to do this replacement)?
I do not need a headphone connection, my Quad 303 is perfectly happy with 2.5 V RMS output, so no need for preamp.
For some type of music I apply minimal EQ bass boost on the DAC, but most of the time everything is flat.
I compared the DAC2 HD with a Chromecast Audio DAC (temporarily using a NAD917 preamp as switch).
After listening for multiple hours to various music types the DAC2 HD sounded better, but I'm not sure if I would survive a blind test.
I've been looking at SMSL DL200 to replace the Pi4 DAC2 HD.
However, given my ESLs I might just as well opt for a Topping D90 MkIII or the SMSL D400EX.
Both had excellent test results from Amir.
These are substantially more expensive (and I'm curious about Topping's 'valve' filter), but they might be better to "get over it" and continue enjoying music rather than having second thoughts about my choice.
On the other hand, perhaps the contribution of any type or brand of DAC on my ESL setup may be marginal.
Perhaps the best option is to buy several (which?), do a listening test, and return all but one.
Suggestions, anyone?
