I'm currently running a Bifrost2 MB as a main dac but I need to pick up a second option for my other system. I have a couple multibit options on the used market here... an OG Bifrost and the Modi2. Optical would be the main source. I really would not like to spend the same cash on this one as...

Update... ended up snagging a Bifrost 2 last week. Much different experience than the Ares. Better tone and separation. Plays nice with internet radio which makes both my wife and I happy!! It is really a satisfying sound. I think it'll be sticking around here for a while :) Thanks for the help...

Agreed... Chord products don't last long on the used market. Thanks for this... appreciated!

Interesting... a new Mojo 2 is definitely in my price range. There are a couple of 2qute dacs on CAM at the moment... comments?

Thanks for this... I was reading about exaggerated sibilance with Chord... do you find that at all?? I didn't say my system sounds like nails on a chalkboard... what I said was that when my hearing is set off that's how I explain it to others so they can understand. SEE BELOW! As stated, and...

Tubes? Not sure what you are talking about. I have no tubes in my system. And it's my hearing that's at fault, not the dac.

Ya... it was broken in before I received... I am not the original owner. And very true... system synergy is important... more so when Magnepan's are you speakers! :D

Well there is the Bifrost 2 multi... it's supposed to be tilted the opposite of the Ares... a little more in the bass region minus the upper region and better in the timbre department so I've read. That may have been what was setting me off. I stated earlier that I'm running my headphone amp at...

Well, I know I'm gonna get hated on but the Ares II was a bust for me. Something in the treble sets off my tinnitus. I can't describe it other than how some people react to nails on a chalkboard LOL! I get the same feeling as when I hear people scrape silverware together :(

Ya... but no thanks... just a little above my price range LOL

Well I just snagged an Ares II... should be in house sometimes next week. I guess I'll be seeing what all the fuss is about and hopefully it'll do the trick!

I've read that about the Ares which is why I mentioned the Draco. Seems like it does not suffer the same problem. And I would like to say it is for music only but I don't know if I wouldn't try it for TV watching... I'm just using a Yamaha soundbar at the moment.

Thanks for that insight... appreciated! I actually had an in depth chat with a member here on that Soekris and the Ares... the member having both, stated that the Soekris had a soundstage the was further recessed meaning the Denafrips presented itself more to being on stage (front row) rather...

My system is Mac... C712, MR7084, MC250... Magnepan MMG... Chromecast Audio... that is all. I always knew heading into retirement that I would work my way back to McIntosh. So these components are all staying... the dac is the final piece. I'm not opposed to AK, ESS or even NOS... it's all about...

Yesh... trying to get $1500 past my wife let alone $2k LOL

Appreciate the responses everyone! Agree with you DenverW... that group of dacs that "measure well" seem to allows sound dry and brittle to me... I get that same sense listening to Parasound stuff and even Cambridge albeit I haven't tried there stuff in a while... gave up LOL. A used Qutest...

Thanks for that... I was looking at that model earlier today!

Let me just add this... when I was looking IEM's I had a heck of a time... following reviews and buying the "best" ones only to find how much I hated them. Until I found one that alot hated and trashed but I fell in love with... the Moondrop SSR... if I can emulate that signature in my main...

Nope... disagree... but I'm not going down that road nor even going to entertain anyone that quotes ASR or measurements. A dac is a source... no different than a phono cartridge... each one is distinctive and has it's own sound. And when you are hypersensitive to tone and timbre you can hear...

Seems like circumstances changed again... a new move and some new gear last month puts me in a position of needing a different dac. Gone is my Havana... it was too much of a good thing with the McIntosh gear I acquired. I stream everything from a CCA so optical is all I use. These are MUST NOT...

I had this happen to an Atlantis I bought used... good thing the unit was still under warranty and the seller was a fantastic dude... he took it back and refunded my money. He sent it in to LTA where he bought it from and it turned out to be a fault on the main board... they replaced it and it...

Next question... about the Canary... does it respond to tube rolling as well as the Atlantis is supposed to??

Thanks!! Really appreciate the input!!

I have an Atlantis incoming this week... have a question... is it worth checking out 6922 tubes?? I read through this thread and a few other... not much of a consensus other than the ability for more variety... I did happen to order a converter for giggles... it was cheap :)

Absolutely!! Should touch down Wednesday!!