Alternative to Audio Research DAC 8

[mbain]

Can anyone recommend a usb DAC as an alternative to a Audio Research DAC 8?  One that will equal or surpass in sound quality for 4K or less.

 

mark

[jcn3]

11 minutes ago, mbain said:

Can anyone recommend a usb DAC as an alternative to a Audio Research DAC 8?  One that will equal or surpass in sound quality for 4K or less.

 

mark

 

hi,

 

i don't know the dac 8, but there are a lot of good dacs that are under $4k.  a few that come to mind -- each of them have a large fan base:

 

* chord qutest ($1900) -- https://chordelectronics.co.uk/product/qutest/

* schiit yggdrasil ($2400) -- https://www.schiit.com/products/yggdrasil

* holo spring dac v2 kte ($2800) -- https://kitsunehifi.com/product/holo-audio-spring2-dac-kitsune-tuned-edition/

* bryston bda-3 ($3800) -- http://www.bryston.com/products/digital_audio/BDA-3.html

[Ralf11]

you may want something with tubes...

[Ben-M]

I've never heard the AR DAC 8, but maybe you could Google around and make a list of current DACs that people say are in the same vein as the AR DAC 8?

 

With that list, you could then ask people here for direct feedback. It isn't exactly what you're looking for, but it might be tough for many people to meet your triple threat requirements of (1) have heard the AR DAC 8, (2) Have heard something in the same vein, but better, (3) are AS/CA members and see your thread. 

 

Good luck with your new DAC.