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simple minimalist dac
Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2021 4:59 pm
by n4nottwo
hi, looking for a super simple dac. something that will play well with my "new" nva a20/p20/epos es14 setup.
what are you using?
Re: simple minimalist dac
Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2021 5:16 pm
by Fretless
Topping DACs are super quality, very simple and extremely affordable.
The Denafrips Ares II is also astonishing for the price.
Re: simple minimalist dac
Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2021 5:35 pm
by slinger
Can you give us a rough idea of how much you want to spend?
I agree with Fretless about Topping, and also SMSL if you can pick one up used. Schiit is another well-thought-of brand, and Stan Beresford's DACs are always good VFM.
Re: simple minimalist dac
Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2021 6:16 pm
by n4nottwo
I actually already have a topping e30 which I can use with this setup, but what attracted me to the nva was richard dunn's philosophy (as evidenced by the interview on nvahifi website) re: all components are bad; and hence, my search for something quite minimal in terms of design. no fixed budget, but I guess something in keeping with the sort of money I've spent on the system; say £500 for the dac?
Re: simple minimalist dac
Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2021 6:17 pm
by n4nottwo
fwiw, the fact that the topping e30 has a remote control and 6 filter settings makes me think that it's not as simple as it could be etc.
Re: simple minimalist dac
Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2021 7:15 pm
by CN211276
I have a Topping E30 with the P20/A20 combo. It sounds best in DAC mode which means you can't use the remote. SQ improves significantly with a good PS. I am using a MCRU which was previously in the main system. The system is very unbalaned cost wise with other components which used to be in the main system, see my signature. All in all I have found the E30 to be a very capable DAC, benefitting significantly from good ancillary components, and I think you would need to spend a lot of money to better it.
Re: simple minimalist dac
Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2021 9:28 pm
by n4nottwo
hmmm, wasn't aware of dac mode. will look into this, thanks.
yes, it's a great little dac and I certainly have no complaints. just caught up in the idea of something even more minimal; chasing rainbows.
Re: simple minimalist dac
Posted: Wed Dec 01, 2021 11:00 pm
by Fretless
Very minimal - have a look at the Teradak V4.5 Chameleon. It is a pure NOS DAC, which I find sound fantastic with NVA amps.
The Chameleon is a 2-box design with an external PSU
There is an on/off switch on the power supply and a single toggle switch on the back of the DAC module to select Coax or Optical input. USB has priority override.
Cost should be under £400 via AliExpress
Sound is sublime.
Re: simple minimalist dac
Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2021 3:11 am
by antonio66
Re: simple minimalist dac
Posted: Thu Dec 02, 2021 10:22 am
by n4nottwo
thanks all. some interesting suggestions. will take a looksie.