# Which DAC would you get and why?

**URL:** <https://forum.headphones.com/t/which-dac-would-you-get-and-why/4673>\
**Category:** General Headphone Discussion\
**Created:** [January 2, 2020, 3:26am UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/which-dac-would-you-get-and-why/4673 "2020-01-02T03:26:31Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Showing post:** 34

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**Author:** ![Torq](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.headphones.com/torq/32/16384_2.png) [@Torq](https://forum.headphones.com/u/Torq)\
**Post date:** [February 24, 2020, 8:34pm UTC](https://forum.headphones.com/t/which-dac-would-you-get-and-why/4673/34 "2020-02-24T20:34:53Z")

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A few thoughts, at a very high-level:

**SMSL SU-8**

Competent but only interesting as a cheap-DAC that has decent measurements and XLR outputs. Has issues/audible glitches when switching rates/formats under Windows. Can be harsh, not a great pairing with the RNHP, which doesn’t need more treble energy or any lack of smoothness.

**Airist R2R**

If you’re looking for a “sweeter” sounding unit, with a more NOS-like sound (it’s not NOS, technically, it does 2x upsampling prior to conversion), it’s a pleasant listen. Was much more interesting in 2018.

**Schiit Bifrost 2**

Best bang-for-the-buck on the list as well as the most musically involving delivery. Often described as a mini-Yggdrasil A2, and I think it justifies that description.

**Denafrips Ares II**

Only reason to buy this is over the Bifrost 2 is if you want on-board DSD conversion. Even then I wouldn’t. Lack of ability to demo/return is a major issue here. No idea if the issues I found with the original version have been addressed.

**Schiit Gungir Multibit**

Not worth it over the Bifrost 2 unless you buy used AND run balanced from the DAC. “A2” version has a signature similar to that of the **original** Yggdrasil.

There’s [one for sale here](https://forum.headphones.com/t/save-my-doggo-sale-everything-must-go-verite-c-eikon-aeolus-cables-gumby-a2/5406), at a good price, and from a chap I can personally recommend.

**RME ADI 2 Dac**

If you don’t need the built-in amp and EQ/DSP functionality, then the Bifrost 2 is a better bet. Micro-dynamics aside, the RNHP is no better than the built-in amp here and more of a side-grade/slight-downgrade from the built-in headphone output.

Best D/S DAC this side of a Chord Qutest or Matrix X-Sabre Pro (MQA).

**Cambridge Audio DACmagic Plus**

Enjoyable, engaging, warmish Wolfson DAC implementation, subjectively very nice and a good complement to the RNHP. Objectively, a good way from what’s possible at the price.

**SMSL SU-9 (maybe out in May)**

May be out in May. May be good. May suck. Don’t bet on futures.

* * *

Add to your list, the Topping D90 (I’d like this DAC a lot more if “Topping” came up with a second brand with a name that didn’t sound like a low-rent, bad-side-of-town, mixed-cuisine restaurant).

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