My 2 channel system currently consists of CAPS 2.0 server -> Empirical audio offramp 5 -> Trinnov S2 Pro -> Perfectwave MKII DAC -> Jungson JA200 Class A monoblocks -> Evolution Acoustics MM3. Cabling is all transparent audio reference (digital and analog)
With the exception of the monoblocks and the perfectwave DAC, there is not much room for improvement for any other component in the chain. My monoblocks are off limits, which leaves the PWD MKII as the component slated for upgrade. In am making the somewhat speculative assumption that the PWD MKII is of the same caliber as any of the usual suspects in the 4-7K range (including all the stuff that has been discussed in the other threads), so the get a material upgrade I think I need to spend around 10K (which is also my limit).
I have one constraints: volume control, digital volume level display and remote control (this is because I am also integrating my two channel with multi channel system, and I need to know precisely what volume the DAC is at). The totaldac is a contender, but I am a bit hesitant since this is an overseas operation with no local support. The light harmonic would be ideal but helas is too pricey.
I am very receptive to the idea of buying used, but for DACs the economics at work are very different than analog gear. Price performance keeps improving, so a two year old DAC depreciated by 50%is sonically equivalent to a new one for half the price, making the buying used value proposition not very compelling. I am frankly a little hesitant about the wisdom of DAC upgrade period, because of rapid price/performance improvement. I don't mind spending money on audio gear, but hate to take huge depreciation hits, which is somewhat inevitable if you want the latest greatest DAC it appears (with the exception of stuff like the PWD MKII, which is both competitive in in its price class and has a good used market)
Do you agree with my assessment of Daconomics and the PWD MKII? Are there any DACs I should be aware off (new or used)? Should I just wait this out for a year or two given all the development in DACs?
With the exception of the monoblocks and the perfectwave DAC, there is not much room for improvement for any other component in the chain. My monoblocks are off limits, which leaves the PWD MKII as the component slated for upgrade. In am making the somewhat speculative assumption that the PWD MKII is of the same caliber as any of the usual suspects in the 4-7K range (including all the stuff that has been discussed in the other threads), so the get a material upgrade I think I need to spend around 10K (which is also my limit).
I have one constraints: volume control, digital volume level display and remote control (this is because I am also integrating my two channel with multi channel system, and I need to know precisely what volume the DAC is at). The totaldac is a contender, but I am a bit hesitant since this is an overseas operation with no local support. The light harmonic would be ideal but helas is too pricey.
I am very receptive to the idea of buying used, but for DACs the economics at work are very different than analog gear. Price performance keeps improving, so a two year old DAC depreciated by 50%is sonically equivalent to a new one for half the price, making the buying used value proposition not very compelling. I am frankly a little hesitant about the wisdom of DAC upgrade period, because of rapid price/performance improvement. I don't mind spending money on audio gear, but hate to take huge depreciation hits, which is somewhat inevitable if you want the latest greatest DAC it appears (with the exception of stuff like the PWD MKII, which is both competitive in in its price class and has a good used market)
Do you agree with my assessment of Daconomics and the PWD MKII? Are there any DACs I should be aware off (new or used)? Should I just wait this out for a year or two given all the development in DACs?