What is the best DAC for around 2K (used or new) ?

[John2e]

Not sure if this belongs in the Hi End section (sorry if I jumped the fence)
 
Must have DSD and I would prefer balanced digital input (but not a deal breaker)
 
I could stretch my budget a bit if it meant moving to an different level 
 
If there is no clear "best" what are some good choices?
 
Thanks in advance 

 

[John2e]

I'd buy the Schitt but it does not do DSD

 

[sheldaze]

Ayre Codex
 
It's limitations are only two digital inputs, USB and Toslink. It also sounds best via the balanced outputs. If you don't mind having USB-only, and are willing to look around the classifieds, you can sometimes find an Ayre QB-9 DSD for around your asking price. I went with Codex because the USB-only of the QB-9 DSD was not for me. The difference between Codex and QB-9 DSD is almost a wash. I find the Codex just a hair behind Yggdrasil for music, but ahead for movies and television. It enunciates certain sounds more clearly, without losing much in the musical portions of shows and movies to the Yggy.

 

[John2e]

Thanks Sheldaze
 
Could stretch budget to 3-4K 
 
Would like something that will surpass my MSB power dac (Which still sounds great but no DSD)
 
I will use it with a seperate AMP (Rudistor RPX-33) so I do not need an Amp built in
 
anyone try the Brooklyn DAC ?  It has MQA at less than 2K 

 

[murphythecat]

ec designs mosaic t

 

[John2e]

  ec designs mosaic t

no dsd

 

[murphythecat]

the best dsd is likely
http://ta-hifi.de/index.php?id=702

 

[John2e]

  the best dsd is likely
http://ta-hifi.de/index.php?id=702

Can it do PCM too for around 2K ?

 

[murphythecat]

 
Can it do PCM too for around 2K ?

yes, but for pcm, the ec design is better. for dsd, the t+a is better. A user here that own both untis told me this btw.

 

[John2e]

  yes, but for pcm, the ec design is better. for dsd, the t+a is better. A user here that own both untis told me this btw.

It looks like something aliens sent down ....very nice

 

[btfnk]

I think Lynx Hilo hits all of your requirements. Love mine. I've never made use of the DSD feature tho.

 

[Hifioutlaw]

You can get a AURALIC Vega for 2K second hand, have got everything you want! And it is future prof, I've just got one ex demo that replaced my old Rega DAC, and was the best thing I did.
The SQ never ends to amaizing me, I think this will be my last DAC.

"Inputs are USB, toslink, AEX/AUB and 2x Coaxial digital. Output signal is available on XLR and cinch. AES/EBU and coaxial inputs accept up to 24/192 and USB input accepts any signal including double rate, 5.6mHz DSD and DXD (32bit 384kHz PCM). Impressively, the Vega includes a Femto clock and has a Class A output stage."

 

[Tro95]

If you want the best DSD sound you can get, consider the Questyle CAS192D http://questyleaudio.com/product-cas192d. At around 2k it fits nicely into your budget.

 

[John2e]

I purchased the Lampizator  Amber II
 
but check out the atlantic

 at 4.5K it gets amazing reviews and I might step up to that soon
 
Review for Euphoria (DSD Only) - http://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/lampizator-euforia-dac/

Review for Atlantic - https://parttimeaudiophile.com/2016/09/03/review-lampizator-atlantic-dac/


 

 

[ubs28]

You can get a AURALIC Vega for 2K second hand, have got everything you want! And it is future prof, I've just got one ex demo that replaced my old Rega DAC, and was the best thing I did.
The SQ never ends to amaizing me, I think this will be my last DAC.

"Inputs are USB, toslink, AEX/AUB and 2x Coaxial digital. Output signal is available on XLR and cinch. AES/EBU and coaxial inputs accept up to 24/192 and USB input accepts any signal including double rate, 5.6mHz DSD and DXD (32bit 384kHz PCM). Impressively, the Vega includes a Femto clock and has a Class A output stage."

Why is the Vega future proof?