Oh, no, not another DAC thread!
After the massive thread started by Grant, I hesitate to tap into the collective expertise/experience, but my request for help is quite specific.
I listen to about 50/50 digital music and vinyl.
The digital is either through a Marantz CD17 MkII KI Signature CD player or off a laptop, running flac files through JRiver’s library system, which they say will deliver a direct data stream via WASAPI from the C:drive to an external DAC without any Windows or any other processing. Currently the DAC is an 8 year old HRT Music Streamer II+, well reviewed in its day. My preference is the Marantz, a very smooth “analogue” sounding piece of retro heaven. The HRT is quite “exciting”, but it verges on the harsh.
Preamp is either a Croft Vitale SC or a Tisbury passive, amps are Firebottle Mono’s, driving Monitor Audio Studio 20SE loudspeakers.
I assume there have been any number of DAC improvements over the last 8 years. But, in these desperate times, my budget is tight. I have considered Topping E30, SMSL Sanskrit, Schiit Modi 3 and iFi Zen. I don’t need a headphone amp, just a DAC, via USB. I might be able to stretch to an SMSL M300 II or a Topping D50.
From the above, you can see my heart is closest to valves/analogue and a smoother sound.
Any thoughts much appreciated.
Thanks.
Rob