My TOP TEN DAC List. These are my Faves and #1 will SURPRISE YOU!

[@ibrahim-alani]

Can you please review HoloAudio - May DAC - KTE May

[@DeanCampbellusa]

I second this review suggestion!!

[@sarcese52]

Have you reviewed the Holo Audio May KTE DAC?

[@snomofilms]

He has not. Interested in this….

[@cobar5342]

All too expensive for the 'ordinary man'. How about a review of the 'Best Value' DACS?

[@MAB_Audio_Nut]

I agree I was hoping to some budget DACs in the list or a budget dac review

[@n.lyndley.9889]

“Most favourite” Bright Brighter Brightest Most brightest???

[@riccitone]

Would love to get your impressions of the Holo May. KTE or otherwise 🙏🏼

[@robertm8518]

The May is Awesome !

[@ptong4894]

Please check out the Holo May KTE DAC if you have the chance... would be great to see where you'd insert it in your list.

[@TrevorSachko]

Word salad...

[@Revelator2025]

I wonder where the T+A DAC 200 would place on this list. It has countless excellent reviews. At $7k it isn’t cheap but many say it competes with dcS DACs.

[@316RC]

Not sure how the Holo May KTE didn’t make the list 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@net_news]

Denafrips is made in China, in Singapur is the distributor.

[@corsairdipthong3874]

Denafrips is made in China but sold in Singapore

[@goahead3995]

I absolutely love this Pontus II DAC, I liked it more than DAC in Hegel H190. Just upgraded to Venus II.

[@corsairdipthong3874]

@@goahead3995 And, the price is right.

[@arathorrn371]

Have you ever experienced and reviewed the Rockna Wavedream?

[@jearley22]

can't wait for you to get your hands on a MSB Discrete.

[@is1dre]

I traded my Dave/Mscaler (an amazing combo) for dCS and there is no comparison. Dave is clinical by comparison.

[@Andyusa11]

You need to be a millionaire to get your suggestions and btw everything that you present is expensive and over priced

[@HiFiHuff]

Haha I wish. I’m not even close to being a millionaire or rich. I talk about products that range from $39 to $20,000 and everything in between. Also keep in mind sometimes I buy used and sell later at no loss. Other times I find discounts (as we all can) and when I sell, no loss. Other times gear is sent to me for review and returned a few weeks later. No need to be rich to do that. If I can be honest, my income varies between $30k- 40k per year, and that supports two. That’s true. I’ve just saved money my entire life. We also do not spend on fancy clothes, jewelry, trips, eating out, etc. I’ve been there and done that when I used to make really good money :) these days we live a very simple life. So no, not loaded with cash. I have no desire to be. For me life is about family, friends, and enjoying each day as best you can. That doesn’t involve riches or having loads of money. This channel earns me $1k per month, on a good month. : ) thanks.

[@iborrada]

Great list but I would have included the mola mola tambaqui

[@clivesutcliffe487]

Where would you position it on the list?

[@humanbass]

Directsteam is an overpriced piece of garbage. The firmware updates don't change the sound at all (it was actually tested). The dac chip is an extremely outdated ess 9018. When measurements show electrical noise from the transformers affecting the output signal, PS Audio represent said that the price of the device couldn't justify a better transformer. The device costs 6k. Yes, PS Audio actually said that 6 thousand dollars is not enough for a clean transformer.

[@connorduke4619]

You should really try the Holo May KTE, according to other reviewers it beats the Terminator Plus and some say also the Chord Dave, dCS Bartok and Mola Mola Tambaqui. It was Stereophile Product of the Year in 2020 for a reason. I am curious to see whether this new dCS Lina can truly beat it.

[@ProducerMC]

That would be the ultimate comparison

[@robertm8518]

The Holo May is more natural sounding

[@allenmartin6708]

Have you ever heard the HoloAudio May KTE DAC? I pair it with Grimm MU1 streamer. DCS always has interested me.

[@KristianSchwartz]

With all due respect each piece you review is end game, then you revert back to what has before.

[@michailxyntarakis1590]

Nice! Talking about entry level, I wonder if you have ever heard an MSB dac. I have the dynaudio heritage special by the way and your review did help me.

[@goahead3995]

I could of sworn he liked Pontus over Lampizator.

[@atavachron27]

A severe case of inconsistency...or memory loss!

[@jovidec6274]

He also said he preferred the Pontus over the chord qutest lol

[@desalvo55]

I don't know why the Holo May Dac is not on this list. It should be IMO, at least the top 5 in this list. Maybe you've never listened to it?

[@cyrilchou894]

Would also recommend Ed Meitner MA3 from EMM Labs

[@silkhead44]

$13,000 for a DAC...hell to think of the great system I can buy with 13k with a 1k dac

[@myronhelton4441]

a $20,000 dac was by far the best part of a $25,000 system. Speakers are next. Amp is next. Most expensive amps sound the same.

[@giuseppelazzarotto2630]

Any experience with the mola mola tambaqui?

[@jlo8775]

And the flavor of the month goes to….DCS! 👏🙄🤦‍♂️

[@veetour]

I would like to buy the Denafrips Venus II. I hope you can review that at some point to compare it to the Terminator+ or Pontus.

[@markcomisky7106]

Sorry man your too expensive for me I do agree on some products you review though

[@HiFiHuff]

I review products from $500 to $15000 and anywhere in between. Thanks.

[@sangpeirisYT]

Gr8 list, but incomplete. No Mola Mola, May and upgraded Bartok… those three are probably the top end of DACs at this time.

[@rndm4642]

But did you check with Amir to see how they measure ;)

[@AT-wl9yq]

Junk science. That guy is clueless.

[@brandonburr4900]

You should get in a mola mola dac at some point. Some have liked and preferred it to the dcs dacs.

[@oscarmarfori613]

Really expansive DACS hurts the pocket really deep

[@Zach_Routhier]

$12k for a DAC? LOL. This hobby is so f@#$ed. No offense meant. Thanks for the reviews! :)

[@isaacsykes3]

I really appreciate and enjoy your enthusiasm for this hobby and the products that you review. You have given me a nice shopping/wish list of DACs and speakers to hopefully try one day soon. I would love to see you review products from Mola Mola, Spatial Audio, and the May DACs, as I enjoy how your reviews are done. Thank you for your all you do. Be safe.

[@Zero1O6]

You could like or dislike it but Audio Note UK DACs must be in any top dac review.

[@Hubbman32]

Gotta add my vote for a review of Holo Audio KTE Spring DAC 3. I've been using this DAC for about 5 months now and its simply amazing. I chose the version with the preamp installed as well. The May is supposed to be a bit better that the Spring DAC 3, but the price point here is right in the sweet spot IMO.

[@robertm8518]

I hope if he does review any of the Holo DACs that he lets it break in for at least 500 hours….they really do sound awesome!

[@robertobrandoli4462]

Agree, the Holo Spring 3 KTE it's probably the best DAC at the 3K price point. Let me say that also the streamer can upgrade a lot the sound quality of digital source.

[@michaellittle2995]

Great list, have you ever heard the Border Patrol DAC? It has my interest lately and maybe it could be a more budget friendly Lampazator option?

[@chadcavender3426]

Love my Border Patrol dac!

[@dfj555]

No Benchmark Audio DAC in the top ten? Benchmark Audio DAC's we're only used by EMI/Abbey Road to remaster all the Beatles and Pink Floyd music catalogs. If you haven't heard them, give them a listen,

[@vaneast411]

another worth listening to would be the Meitner MA3... thanks for all of you dac investigations :)

[@Zero1O6]

Very unnatural sounding dac. Not recommended at all

[@paulb.3227]

@@Zero1O6 Are you kidding? It's a superb dac !

[@Zero1O6]

@@paulb.3227 Depending on level of your sound expertise

[@paulb.3227]

@@Zero1O6 No no; depending on the level of resolving qualities in your set! It's just damned neutral.

[@kozmiczian]

What about the 10 best DACS, under 500$ ?

[@BonafonteLeonardo]

Thanks for these recommendations. What about Musician (Aquarius and Pegasus) and Chord Hugo TT2?

[@charlienyc1]

I just picked up a Pegasus and am curious how or if it ranks amongst these. I didn't have a sufficient budget for a Holo Spring 3 😥 However, I am happy with it, especially having upgraded from a DS DAC that couldn't handle DSD playback.

[@greenbeginner9221]

With your experience with so many components at so many price points, are you ever puzzled by the asking prices? Such excellent quality can be obtained for $5,000 and then competition is priced at $20,000! Any thoughts?

[@brodricj3023]

No Esoteric. No MSB. No CH Precision. No Soulution.

[@xeniavader]

this was the list of what he's personally listened to, not every dac out there.

[@snomofilms]

I bought the Pontus II based on all the rave reviews- and it’s true, it was smooth and analogue-like. Unfortunately what those reviews didn’t tell us is that the Pontus II lacks a TON of detail. It was all gone. I upgraded to the Holo May KTE (yes, way more expensive) and finally found smooth AND detailed. Bottom line, if you value detail at all- I believe the Pontus II will leave you wanting greatly. Luckily I sold it easily and only took a small loss.

[@xstensl8823]

i have the Aires, i agree its not best at detail but it is just so musical. listened to Pentangle last night and it knocked it out of the park. have it paired with Rega electronics

[@lesterrobinson3169]

I cannot comment on the more expensive DACS but for me the Pontus II is a revelation. I think all this is so subjective and depends also on our systems. I have tried several overs the years and for me the Pontus blows them all away. I myself never noticed a lack of detail, quite the contrary but for me the musical warm presentation is so addictive and rewarding. Never heard the other DACS in this list but I must say I was surprised the Pontus was not higher up 😊

[@xstensl8823]

@@lesterrobinson3169 i am hearing details in the music with my Aires that i have never heard before. game changer and a bargain to boot.

[@lesterrobinson3169]

@@xstensl8823 I had the Aires and I think in terms of value it is incredible. In many ways it’s all the DAC one would ever need. But I do strongly think all this depends on our system.

[@xstensl8823]

@@lesterrobinson3169 i have a Rega Brio amp and Rega RS1 speakers. not sure if i would benefit from a upgrade to the Pontus 2

[@JLX5]

PS: did you ever listened to the Viva Audio's Numerico Dac?

[@kenwk2283]

Honestly can anyone pick them apart via blind AB? Just curious as one is costing like over 13k.

[@AT-wl9yq]

If they sound different, why wouldn't you be able to tell them apart?

[@klausnielsen7102]

Blind or double blind test just doesn’t seem to work in the wold of high-end audio!

[@kenwk2283]

@@AT-wl9yq I don’t know if they sound diff or we think they sound diff. A lot of ppl say dac make a big diff sound nobody seems to be able to perform AB on them

[@karl1196]

What’s up with all the comments about Holo May KTE DAC! I feel like they try to advertise this DAC so badly!

[@wetcat833]

No mention of Holo May? I love mine.

[@TipoF129B]

Wish you had reviewed the mola mola tambaqui, Aries cerat, audio note dac 5 and other hi end pieces.

[@utube321piotr]

Far more useful would be a DAC list considering the value of second hand gear vis-a-vis new offerings. For example how does a $5k DAC from 2 yrs ago compare to current listings at $500. I am price sensitive and unafraid to buy second hand. Don't need the latest/greatest gadget, but need VALUE!!!!!!!

[@johenkay1129]

Where is the Holo May KTE? A dac tier list without the Holo May... That hurts.

[@asplmn]

Why? This is the typical hype train just running its course. How else can companies use reviewers to convince consumers to buy their products? I've had both the May KTE and the Yggdrasil LiM, and I kept the Yggy. Just go based off of your own ears, not a reviewer's tier list. : ) Be careful with hype trains -- they're so prevalent in this hobby, which is funny considering how little innovation HiFi has seen since the late 70's lol

[@mrsinghsstereos6662]

Bartok 2.0 firmware upgrade is exceptional and takes the Bartok close to the Rossini DAC. Add the Rossini clock to the Bartok 2.0 and it is some combination . The Lina plus clock is inferior to the Bartok 2.0 plus Rossini clock. The Lina is intended as a head fi DAC and not a hifi DAC . Also curious to know whether your Lina was run in ?

[@labalo5]

Lina and clock should be close to Rossini w/o clock

[@mrsinghsstereos6662]

@@labalo5 it’s not . It uses different architecture and doesn’t have the mappers .

[@danzampich3792]

$13 k after tax lol my whole system is less than half revel m20s with stand wyred 4 sound Mint with Tidal masters streaming I paid $1,400 for both insane

[@jonsays3762]

Denifrips is Chinese manufacture, is it not? Not that that’s bad, just accurate.

[@inonothing09]

top ten Dacs and no MSB ... move along please ...

[@jazzbass6246]

Have you ever tried PLAYBACK DESIGNS

[@artyfhartie2269]

The Ingawa Shanbu Limpapa Tutadidab 2.1 B DAC has been getting rave reviews.

[@DBravo29er]

I just upgraded my Chord Qutest to the PlixiR Elite BDC power supply and it's easily #4 on the list with this "mod". Such a massive improvement that it torched a standard Hugo TT2 in the same system. Sounds very y close to a DAVE but I've not compared them directly yet.

[@DBravo29er]

@@susokraut3169 Already running through an IRIS DDC with TCXO femto clocks before Qutest. Word clock is next.

[@DBravo29er]

@@susokraut3169 I don't stop half way. I have a 5.2kVa (114lb) Topaz 1:1 ultra isolator with .0005pf interwinding capacitance that then feeds a Furman Elite PFi 20. This combo absolutely shamed the AQ7000 And the PS Audio PS20 when I had week long demos of those units against my setup. I'm at a very high level for power. Using all Audience or Gotham UltraPro power cords, too. 👍

[@rustygates3367]

Uh huh...

[@Fluterra]

You have not listened to the best DAC in the world (right now), the Nagra HD DAC X.

[@Richbroth]

Try the halo may dac kte

[@tango_gru]

T+A DAC 200 and Mola Mola Tambaqi ????? Both missing in this list.... thats odd

[@Walter-qy5mx]

Where ist the Best DAC/Pre - Resolution Audio Cantata 3.0?

[@danieldavis8963]

I have a sonnet Morpheus & it's glorious, Dan from NZ

[@johnratcliffe6438]

I own a Metrum Acoustics Adagio. Cees does make a great DAC.

[@JohanDee]

The strangest names, but the most incredible high prices. 😢

[@CinemaDemocratica]

The best DAC that I have ever heard by a country mile -- and I've heard a lot of DAC's -- is the DAC inside the Arcam FMJ CD23, which, sadly, does not include a digital input. If someone out there could mod that piece to accept asynchronous USB, I'd never own another source again in my life.

[@P194-s3i]

Have you tried the Schiit Yggdrasil?

[@P194-s3i]

@@susokraut3169 and?

[@BonafonteLeonardo]

I would add Musician Aquarius and Pegasus to your question.

[@andrewfitzsimons8509]

No J2 ???

[@spacejaime]

Like everything else in our hobby, it takes cubic dollars to get to the top sounding components. Great to have so many options!

[@humanbass]

A lot of those devices are not top sounding. They have tons of distortion and noise but some old guy convinces you that it's magical tasteful distortion, therefore you should give thousands of dollars to him.

[@spacejaime]

@@susokraut3169 LOL!!! 😂😂

[@VaioII]

Great sum up, you should also try the newer MSB line up portfolio also when you get the chance 👍

[@povertyspec9651]

Does Fisher-Price design Chord gear?

[@palmito22]

My favorite cars are: first Mercedes F1 2022 model. Second: Red Bull F1 2022 model. Third, Ferrari F1 2022 model. Although my preferred ones, I have a Toyota Yaris…

[@wric01]

Geeks do a pi2aes mercury i2s to any r2r dac, it'll get you there in the top 5 of this list. Symphonic-mpd os will cement it to #3.

[@alastorwyst9027]

Yeah man that's it man.

[@michaellittle2995]

So is the DCS Luna going to move in permanently? I hear that sort of excitement at the end of this.

[@mobilgin]

A trick with you (audiophiles 🙄) guys is...evaluating modern equipment and in the end of the line sound comes from 100 years back technology ,passively filtrated speaker. You just use tin-can for that matter and hear how DAC works for you.

[@deeptill6735]

None are affordable

[@wellroundedsound2422]

Let's send these to Audio Science Reviews for the actual performance so we don't have just the ornate descriptors. Would hope that the DACs with a solid engineering background like Weiss & dCS would measure exceedingly well given the price points and the accolades given by the press. Measurements are surely not everything but it's an assurance that the product was properly engineered. @stevehuffofficial

[@vetreportsaei4605]

would you review the geshelli labs DAC ? The inexpensive one. I hear it punches above its class. Also, please review the Black Ice tube DAC - the one around $800

[@atoz6552]

"Just 13 000$"

[@Fluterra]

NAGRA HD DAC X - best in the world right now

[@mkwilson38]

No such thing. Synergy is key for every system; what’s best for one isn’t best for another.

[@DearSX]

please do something similar but for Pre-amps

[@soundlover8145]

try APL DACs you're going to forget everything you've listened until now ... ( this is for those who appreciate analog sound )

[@JR-Canada]

$13,000 for a DAC?? Did you try Yggresil?

[@yooanto9465]

Are sure lampizator is not number1 ? I heard chord qutest improve a lot by using battery as power supply so test it if you have one.

[@jasonme3557]

Do you think the Weiss DAC204 would compare to the Chord Qutest.

[@Gibalok]

Where are aqua formula/la scala, meitner EMM Labs, Audio Note?

[@wazzupi]

I’d switch dcs for weiss (#1) all day they also have an upgraded version of the Weiss :)

[@ComplexityBenz]

Could you please help share your comparison between them? I’m considering between these two and bartok as well

[@ScottsLifeOffGrid]

Pontus II is now $2,449 f you can believe that

[@mehmetklick3859]

Many express themselves subjectively when it comes to their sound perception. just because a dac delivers the sound differently doesn't mean it sounds better.

[@sbbinahee]

Audio engine 150 euro is all I need ..oh and a few beers...best sound bar none

[@jackkennedy9475]

Have you reviewed the new Esoteric DAC’s N-01XD, and N-05XD?

[@GoncalonevesCorreia]

and the Canary audio DMS 650, that you enjoyed so much,?

[@neighborhood_k]

Yet all the music is being produced on quite cheap DACs and ADCs so what is the goddamn point of this

[@raymondchan3587]

Mine were HOLO AUDIO R2R DAC "MAY" followed by RME dac adi-2 fs .

[@c.j.vanwoerden1676]

If a DAC is properly designed you dont need a firmware update. Ever!

[@Luca84v]

Have you ever listened and compared the MATRIX AUDIO i-3 Pro? any opinion in terms of quality?

[@andreymerzlyakov8581]

What kind of music you are usually prefer?

[@ptg01]

NICE ! I wonder what your list would look like if there are $$$ constraints, say up to $2.5Kish ?

[@jean-martingauthier5551]

one must pronounce Veiss,