[gug42]

Hello,

I'm looking for a balanced DAC and an upgrade to a schiit modi multibit (very good by the way, but not balanaced, and no balanced XLR outputs).

Well of course I'm looking for a good money value, with :
- good bass, lush mids, soft/mellow high. Any sparkle speak.
- USB and Optical input
- unbalanced and balanced XLR output
- No need for integrated amps.

I've seen :
- Aune S6
- TEAD UD-301 (perhaps 501)
- Gustard X12 (Sabre chip ... affraid to be to bright ...)
- Denafrips Ares (or Armature Cronos DAC R2R) <= the most expensive ... a little bit out of my price range.

Any recommandation ?

By the way, I'm ok to buy a user/second hand stuff. Perhaps I can find something better or really good.

Thank you in advance !

 

[sheldaze]

Recommendation is Emotiva Stealth DC-1. Though I've no personal experience, there was a DAC comparison thread on Head-Fi back in 2014 where it did favorably against the original Gungnir. So it should be no slouch. A local member, who I've spoken to in person and whose opinion I trust, said it was quite remarkable.