DAC Recommendations at $400 Price Level

[marone]

I have 4x stereos and listening setups at home via vintage receivers and Fosi ZA3.
See my signature

I enjoy variety.

Schiit Modi/Magni sounds very good for only $230. I very much like this setup via the Sundaras. Good synergy.

Also have Q5 9018 feeding my ZA3 and for $59 DAC/Amp this sounds good indeed. Also a generic 192kbs DAC as well as native outputs of my DVD players (which sound poorest of all).

On list of potentials would be an S.M.S.L, Topping E70 or similiar, and others. As I add one to my stable they will push out the ones I don't like as much.

4 is enough, yes?

As this project progresses the level/price will increase to the $3k level or when I get bored.

Looking for ideas so that I do not miss a manufacturer.

 

[dunring]

I've had dozens and currently have five. The standouts are the SMSL DO300 and Topping E70 9028Pro version. Can't go wrong if it's the form factor you like.

 

[MusicalDoc8]

E70Velvet is something i really am loving it

 

[marone]

Topping E70 9028Pro arrived and first week settling in has commenced. More detail, greater harmonic fullness and accuracy, first qualities I noticed out of the box.

This is via main system, Fosi ZA3 and speakers.

No A-B comparisons, with my stable of headphones, have been done yet.

Q5 DAC/Amp has replaced Generic $20 DAC in a vintage system, and Generic is shelved.

Edit:
E70 sounding better after only 4 hours. More to come.
Edit 2:
Bass on E70 is firming up and deepening as unit breaks in.

 

[springfield01]

You can't go wrong with the Ifi zen dacv2/can stack.

 

[marone]

You can't go wrong with the Ifi zen dacv2/can stack.

No coax or Toslink digital input.
Meant mostly for phones or USB digital input.

I don't stream.
All my sources via physical media player/transport.

 

[Signal2Noise]

...

4 is enough, yes?

...

No.

Audiophile Rule #1: He who has the most audio setups in the end wins.

 

[HWB3]

Schiit Modi Multibit 2. $299 and it's an upgrade over the Modi 3E.

 

[marone]

Schiit Modi Multibit 2. $299 and it's an upgrade over the Modi 3E.

Thanks but looking for variety of manufacturers.

 

[marone]

Topping E70 9028Pro arrived and first week settling in has commenced. More detail, greater harmonic fullness and accuracy, first qualities I noticed out of the box.

This is via main system, Fosi ZA3 and speakers.

No A-B comparisons, with my stable of headphones, have been done yet.

Q5 DAC/Amp has replaced Generic $20 DAC in a vintage system, and Generic is shelved.

Edit:
E70 sounding better after only 4 hours. More to come.
Edit 2:
Bass on E70 is firming up and deepening as unit breaks in.

XLR cables arrived today and dynamic range of E70-ZA3 pairing has increased noticeably.

E70 seems to have settled in.

Sounds great on my modified thrift store speakers. Definitely too loud if I wish.

Looking for next DAC likely an SMSL.

Also thinking of another ZA3 to run a mono setup.

Need to get the 4th system set up.
Woofers on those speakers need re-foam.

 

[jonny30bass]

I really like the FiiO Q15 for around that price. It can be used as a standalone DAC, but it also has an amp built in. It's also somewhat portable.

 

[Blindranger]

A used Chord Mojo 2, it's the best-sounding DAC I have heard under $1K.

 

[amigastar]

A used Chord Mojo 2, it's the best-sounding DAC I have heard under $1K.

Is it really? I have an Mojo 2. Honestly can't hear a difference to the Modi Multibit. Maybe with A-B comparison there would be a difference.
I like my Mojo 2 but yeah.

 

[G8torbyte]

I prefer the Schiit multi-bits but I have found Geshelli Labs implements the AKM chip very well in their J2 and J3 DACs.
The J2 starts at $250 and they offer a nice choice of custom options: casings, colors/wood, DAC chips, op amp chips, etc.

 

[Blindranger]

Is it really? I have an Mojo 2. Honestly can't hear a difference to the Modi Multibit. Maybe with A-B comparison there would be a difference.
I like my Mojo 2 but yeah.

I can hear very distinct differences between my Schiit Modius E vs Schiit Gungnir MB vs Mojo 2