magicman2020
Head-Fier
well this sounds like an interesting program. the dealer sends you 3 dacs of your choosing and you get to compare them. The catch is you have to buy the dac off them. Well that just sounds too good to be true!!
Well thanks, I'll bring that up with the dealer that I'm buying my dac off of. Mind you, it might be awhile before I can get mine. Much like @koven has discovered. My dealer has no Rockna Wavelight dacs in stock either, and is currently sitting at 9 Wavelights back ordered.
I would guess the lack of response is because the guy you quoted thinks your argument is pretty thin and a lost cause to continue. But I will try...So I'm stupid to buy a Nicolae Jitariu dac?? That's like saying it's stupid to buy a dac from one of the top 5 dac designer in the world. It makes zero cents.
You obviously like vintage TOTL. Let's indulge you and look at the evolution of electronics in general. Take for example when Plasma tv's came out in 1997 it was the TOTL at the time, and a 42“ was $15,000!!! NOW plasma tv's are discontinued. Today you can get a 55' OLED for just $1200 that blow the doors off of that Plasma. Are you operating with an TOTL computer or TOTL cellphone from 8 years ago? Today, even a mid level phone or comp will easily surpass those TOTL's in every way. So I really fail to see your point.
Im not sure what point you are trying to make. I'm saying my dac of choice is the Rockna wavelight dac. Your own edit claims it to be a dac you'd consider and that Rockna makes good products which is why I chose Rockna over an 8 year old dac.I would guess the lack of response is because the guy you quoted thinks your argument is pretty thin and a lost cause to continue. But I will try...
This is not like comparing a cellphone or computer. This is like comparing a sports car. And as you may know, it is often advised to look for a TOTL sports car from 10-20 years ago vs. buying new, as the heart of the car (handling, driving experience, engine, response, experience) are all relatively competitive with current cars, for a fraction of the price. And a steal vs. new sports car prices.
Up above, another poster asked what you're looking for in the DAC; PCM, DSD, Redbook, networked, USB, SPDIF, etc., etc.
That is what 15 years of technological development is buying you.
But if, let's say, you're only demanding Redbook resolution music files over Tidal via SPDIf out or via a DDC like the Singxer, then the "new car amenities" are just eating your budget while offering no real benefits vs. the 10-20 year old uber-DAC.
But if you're looking for style, bells and whistles, warranty, and being able to post online and find compatriots, then maybe a newer DAC is for you.
I personally wouldn't buy a +10 year old DAC. I understand and agree that TOTL, $20-40k DACs are, really likely better than anything else down the cost bracket for years to come, BUT, I've been charmed by DSD512 in my T+A DAC 8 DSD and it was fun setting up my system to enable that, to where I'm not really demanding much more in source performance now and I'm getting my senses back and focusing on the speakers, headphones, and preamp that ties all the enablement and joy together.
So, I'd go for a used Denafrips Terminator, upscale to DSD 512, and then channel all my cash into high-end headphones and speakers.
/Edit: I would also consider the Wavelight and Hydra Vox set. I don't care to name drop about the designer, but I've owned and listened to other Audiobyte and Rockna equipment and really liked them, and they also have the DSD512 to charm me with~
Pretty sure you can find a used Rockna Wavedream single-ended if patient enough. A used Aqua La Scala MK2 Optologic should also be considered, and I saw it showed up more frequently on the internet than Rockna
Noted another Terminator voteAs couple of people have suggested, you should tryout a Denafrips Terminator.
...Im not sure what point you are trying to make. I'm saying my dac of choice is the Rockna wavelight dac. Your own edit claims it to be a dac you'd consider and that Rockna makes good products which is why I chose Rockna over an 8 year old dac.
Thanks for the Rockna vote