Looking for DAC upgrade recommendations...

[cobrabucket]

For DSD, I use the Fiio E17K into a Jotunheim via RCA input, which is connected to my JBL LSR305s and LSR10 sub and/or headphones [usually HD6XX]. For most other uses [anything non-DSD] I just use the Jotunheim's DAC. I have considered if I should upgrade to a DAC that's both balanced and DSD capable. [without breaking the bank] The E17K is limited to DSD64 @ 88.2 kHz. Any suggestions? Looking for an easier to set-up DSD experience for windows 10. I have been thinking about adding something w/ MQA as well. Basically, I'm currently looking at the multi-bit DAC upgrade for the Jotunheim, but there is no DSD or MQA (The currently installed DAC is dual mono, I believe. Will the multi bit upgraded DAC still be dual mono [balanced]?) Would this upgrade for around $250 installed be the best bet? Or the TEAC ud301 [balanced, no MQA]?, or Airist R2R? or Audio GD R2R11? Or ifi or Topping D50... or would I really even benefit from an upgrade?... Help!!!

 

[PurpleAngel]

For a budget option, check out the DACs at Hifimediy, I like the Sabre DAC chip.
https://hifimediy.com/DACs/ready-made-dacs?sort=p.price&order=ASC

 

[Rhamnetin]

For a budget option, check out the DACs at Hifimediy, I like the Sabre DAC chip.
https://hifimediy.com/DACs/ready-made-dacs?sort=p.price&order=ASC

He's already got a much better DAC than any of those and I doubt any of them support DSD much less MQA (granted I only spot checked but still).

If you want an affordable DAC that can do it all, I would suggest the Chord Mojo. Well, no MQA either as far as I know, but good DSD support for the dozen or so DSD songs that exist, and it sounds great... very musical, a bit laid back.

 

[cobrabucket]

Thanks for ther recommendation. Is the Mojo balanced (dual-mono) and if not, would it really be
that much better than the Multi-bit upgrade for the Jotunheim? What are your thoughts on the other DACs I listed? Any thoughts or experience with any of them? Is being balanced as important as it seems?

 

[Rhamnetin]

Mojo is not balanced. I haven't used Schiit multibit DACs personally, but if using a DAC built into the Jotunheim then definitely go for the multibit one.

Is the Denafrips Ares within your price range? That has to be the best R2R (multibit) DAC for under $1000.

 

[surfgeorge]

Thanks for ther recommendation. Is the Mojo balanced (dual-mono) and if not, would it really be
that much better than the Multi-bit upgrade for the Jotunheim? What are your thoughts on the other DACs I listed? Any thoughts or experience with any of them? I being balanced as important as it seems?

Rhamnetin has a ton more experience than me, but just a comment about the balanced vs unbalanced output choice of the Mojo:
Rob Watts, the principal designer of the Mojo explains his very consicous choice of unbalanced output in the technical explanation of the Mojo thread:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/chord-mojo-dac-amp-☆★►faq-in-3rd-post-◄★☆.784602/

If you consider Mojo, read the post #3 in this thread, it gives tremendous information.
(listening to music through Mojo as I am writing this....)

 

[cobrabucket]

Looks like the MOJO only supports DoP, which is a deal-breaker. I have heard so many great things about the MOJO, but it seems a bit limited as far as features. The Denafrips Ares does seem to check all the boxes: balanced, native DSD support, XLR out. It doesn't have MQA, but that's prob the least important feature. I see vinshineaudio.com has these for sale @ $888 shipped to the US. That's quite a bit more than what I was looking to pay. Are they available anywhere else? Maybe used for less? If they are not and they are that amazing, perhaps I can save up to get this beast... Thanks for all the responses! Your feedback is sincerely appreciated!

 

[Rhamnetin]

Denafrips DACs are probably too unknown and new to be found on the used market. I think vinshineaudio is the only option.