[isquirrel]

Worth giving the existing Chord QBD a listen to so you have some idea of whether or not you like the Chord sound and if you are in no hurry then to wait and see what the new version is like with Hugo tech. Expect many more taps

 

[deuter]

Worth giving the existing Chord QBD a listen to so you have some idea of whether or not you like the Chord sound and if you are in no hurry then to wait and see what the new version is like with Hugo tech. Expect many more taps

Your rig is just awesome.

Do you listen to music much?

 

[isquirrel]

Your rig is just awesome.

Do you listen to music much?

Thanks, all the time wpro and play, so I spend 6-8 hours a day listening. Love finding new music.

 

[Decoy]

I'd go for an ODAC.  I think you can probably find one on the second-hand market for under $10,000.  AND it's portable; just pop in a 9V battery and you're good to go.

 

[bmichels]

TotalDac D1-dual. The best R2R dac.
And... "When you go R2R you never get back"

 

[plakat]

Coming back to my criticism of the british DAC mentioned before: the TotalDAC looks very german inside
technically an interesting solution, but nothing I'd shell out 10k for I guess. I would find it much more compelling if it had a more analog feel to it (inline with its implementation of a DAC actually), i.e. ditch the display, add some controls to the front. But that may of course be a matter of taste...

 

[deuter]

TotalDac D1-dual. The best R2R dac.
And... "When you go R2R you never get back"

Not really, I don't think it's the chip. The chip is about 25%. I can say this because I had an r2r for many years and now use a Luxman da-06. Miles ahead that my audio gd r2r

 

[Phil14]

The lampizator lineup is worth a listen.  Flexible since it can be customized for your needs.    

 

[wisnon]

Totally agree about the Lampi Phil (its crazy good). I have a big 7 and its a total dream…to me, its better than the commendable TotalDac. In DSD its divine.
Rolling tubes with it is easy and fun too. Totally changing the voicing is  thus very easy.

 

[minimus]

Of the DACs I have heard in that price range, I liked the Bricasti the best. Although i have not heard them, I have read nothing but praise for Totaldac and for the Empirical Audio Overdrive SE, and both companies allow you to try and return the DAC if not to your taste.

 

[wisnon]

Everbody allows you to try and return, just some give longer trial periods than others. Afterall, you pay upfront anyway. Phasure Nos1A is probably the longest and they too have a very loyal following!

 

[astrostar59]

I agree to a point, BUT if you get a well implemented R-2R such as the Audio Note DAC 4.1 for example, that is again streets ahead. I was all over Delta-Sigma until I heard it....

 

[Faddius]

Just thought i'd also give a +1 for the Bricasti M1.

Quality construction and magnificent performance.

Not compared to TotalDac so cant say which is "better". I can just say the Bricasti kicks ass.

 

[Randle81]

Have you found one yet?

I'm looking for one at half the price but always good to hear what I might pick-up on the second hand market in a few years

 

[deuter]

Have you found one yet?

I'm looking for one at half the price but always good to hear what I might pick-up on the second hand market in a few years

I have, and cost me a lot less.

A Luxman da-06