I've been reading this forum for quite a long time and now it's my time to ask.
I'm looking for opinions on choosing a new DAC for my home system.
For the past couple of years I have been using a combo of the Aqua LinQ streamer and the Aqua Formula xHD Rev2 DAC. An excellent combination, I would continue to use it further, but recently I decided to do what I had long wanted, namely, instead of an integrated Manley tube amplifier, I bought two Wavac tube monoblocks.
So I now needed a preamp/remote volume control. I used to use the volume control built into the Manley amp, but now I can't.
Before the Aqua Formula DAC, I had a Lampizator Golden Atlantic DAC and I remembered how convenient it was to use its volume control, setting the proper level on the Manley amplifier and then using only the remote volume control in the DAC. Therefore, I decided, as I have only one digital source, instead of adding a preamplifier to my system to go again along the same path. That is, replace the DAC for another one, with a built-in volume control and, at the same time raising the level of the DAC, if possible.
At the moment, I can’t afford to buy a DAC which is attractive to me in new condition at full price, and therefore I plan to sell my Aqua Formula and get about 10k for it, add another 5k as a maximum and buy a DAC within 15k usd / euro on the aftermarket.
Based on what I've know about DACs and heard at some audio exhibitions, I have a shortlist of three DACs in this price range and with a good volume control (which is a must and specific of this thread):
1) Lampizator Pacific first generation (or Golden Gate 2),
2) EMM Labs DV2,
3) MSB Premier.
dCS Rossini is not on this list because the volume control isn't good enough (at least that's my impression, although I could be wrong) and the CH Precision DAC is above the target price range.
Unfortunately, where I live, it is now difficult to organize a test at home of any of these DACs through dealers. I'll try to do this through local friends, but I'm not sure how it will work.
Therefore, I am asking for opinions from those who have had the opportunity to directly compare any pair of these DACs, which of them would you prefer and why. I've owned a Lampizator GA before and liked its sound signature, but I'm trying to avoid confirmation bias when choosing a new DAC and am open to any opinions.
Regards,
Marat
I'm looking for opinions on choosing a new DAC for my home system.
For the past couple of years I have been using a combo of the Aqua LinQ streamer and the Aqua Formula xHD Rev2 DAC. An excellent combination, I would continue to use it further, but recently I decided to do what I had long wanted, namely, instead of an integrated Manley tube amplifier, I bought two Wavac tube monoblocks.
So I now needed a preamp/remote volume control. I used to use the volume control built into the Manley amp, but now I can't.
Before the Aqua Formula DAC, I had a Lampizator Golden Atlantic DAC and I remembered how convenient it was to use its volume control, setting the proper level on the Manley amplifier and then using only the remote volume control in the DAC. Therefore, I decided, as I have only one digital source, instead of adding a preamplifier to my system to go again along the same path. That is, replace the DAC for another one, with a built-in volume control and, at the same time raising the level of the DAC, if possible.
At the moment, I can’t afford to buy a DAC which is attractive to me in new condition at full price, and therefore I plan to sell my Aqua Formula and get about 10k for it, add another 5k as a maximum and buy a DAC within 15k usd / euro on the aftermarket.
Based on what I've know about DACs and heard at some audio exhibitions, I have a shortlist of three DACs in this price range and with a good volume control (which is a must and specific of this thread):
1) Lampizator Pacific first generation (or Golden Gate 2),
2) EMM Labs DV2,
3) MSB Premier.
dCS Rossini is not on this list because the volume control isn't good enough (at least that's my impression, although I could be wrong) and the CH Precision DAC is above the target price range.
Unfortunately, where I live, it is now difficult to organize a test at home of any of these DACs through dealers. I'll try to do this through local friends, but I'm not sure how it will work.
Therefore, I am asking for opinions from those who have had the opportunity to directly compare any pair of these DACs, which of them would you prefer and why. I've owned a Lampizator GA before and liked its sound signature, but I'm trying to avoid confirmation bias when choosing a new DAC and am open to any opinions.
Regards,
Marat