I am looking for a good Dac for my THX 789. Currently I am opporating a Grace Design Balenced Dac from Drop. Personally, I want to upgrade my DAC because I plan on getting a TorAudio Balenced Amp, as well as a pair of STAX. I was thinking about a few options for new/used DACs including the Ares 2, and The SMSL SU-9, but I am willing to go above if it is worth the price. I just ask that it be balenced. Thanks in advance.
What type of sound are you looking for in your setup
I am pretty new to this stuff, and I don’t have an idea what I like yet or what to say even. A best all arounder would be alright,
In that range I think a good fit would be a schiit bifrost 2 as imo it pairs well with the thx and most likely with the tor, balanced sound signature that tilts a bit warmer smoother wider but also still very resolving, pretty nice imo. The ares ii is also pretty great if you wanted something a bit more colored warmer but also more forward overall, a bit less stage width but more depth, a bit more detail forwardness as well
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Thx might benefit from the slightly better timbre imo the bifrost 2 has over the ares ii as well
Bf2 will always be a great rec and definitely can be described as a good all rounder
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I think I have a bit of a better idea of what I want. Again, Thanks for your guy’s time
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I have to say personally the Bifrost 2 does not do the best with a THX amp. Reason? That DAC allows for the harshness of the highs to really come out. The THX amps need the smoothest DACs possible so here I personally prefer the Modius.
I will say, the Bifrost 2 is largely the dac to get for an amp after the THX.
I am ok with Harshness for a bit because I plan on getting some nicer amps in the future, I will give your suggestion a thought tho