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Recommended Streamer

Recommended Speaker List

Around $100 (These prices will fluctuate between $75 - $150)

Around $200

Around $400

Around $500

Around $600

Recommended Amp List

Under $100

Around $130

Around $250

Around $400

Recommended DACs

Subs

[drogba]

Can attest to Geshelli's customer service. Bought a J2 used from Ebay, and one of the channels went out. Called Geshelli thinking maybe they'd repair it for a fee, if at all, with no warranty. Turns out their free repair policy covers all items—pre-owned or new—even if purchased from a third party. They replaced the board at no extra charge; only had to pay roundtrip shipping. Thanks for the rec 🙏🏾

[stevefoster]

I bought the Aries II back when you first reviewed it, and recently updated it to the 12th anniversary firmware. It's an awesome DAC. The sound stage is indeed extremely wide and immersive. I am very happy with that purchase. Denafrips has sent another firmware update that I haven't had the opportunity to install. Love their customer service!

[preiter]

I just received my Geshelli J2 DAC (AK4493) - less than three weeks to my door from the time of order. It opened up my Elac Debut 6.2 speakers. It's like I went from listening to mono to stereo. Detail is amazing. My progression of DACs was Hifiberry DAC+ to the Schiit Modi+ (v2) then the Geshelli. Love, love, love the Geshelli DAC! For the living room with my Vandersteen 2 speakers I am considering the Denafrips Ares 2.

[earthoid]

I've been using the original Schiit Modi (not the "+" version you have) to convert my TV's optical audio to analog for my big stereo rig. It is always powerd on, it always works flawlessly, and I only use it for this specific purpose. A real winner.

[Envy]

I'm still very happy with my schitt modi +. Great DAC, it's just more expensive to get in the UK, but it's still worth buying. I bought this on your recommendation, Randy. I'm not disappointed. Great video, as always. All the best.

[bigdanify]

I really like this particular video breaking down sound characteristics of each dac....

[CohibaJoe]

EverSolo DAC-Z8 has the Built, Lovely screen and Sound going for it. Getting in the Eversolo DMP-A6 Streamer/DAC as this is the buzz right now.

[wendellgayheart]

I have the schitt modi+ …I use it between my tv and mixer board in my garage and WOW what difference! Thanks cheapaudioman ❤️👍

[roncoklan]

I’ve relied on your advice to purchase an SVS 3000 micro and Wiim Mini. Just received my J2S AKM with Sparkos opamps. Huge difference from the onboard DAC in my Onkyo A9050. Thanks Randy! You’re batting 1000!

[apparentlyretrograde]

I own both the Topping E50 and the Denafrips Ares II and I love them both, it's great having two different but excellent options. Then if they're not going into my main system, they're going into either Topping L50 or Geshelli Archel 3 Pro headphone amps. Spoiled for choice. The great thing about high quality inexpensive options is that you can often get two or three (or ten) for the price of an expensive option.

[MrTeko]

I watched several reviews of the Ares12th, yours being one of them. I had recently tried the dak magic, and I sent it back. I received the denefrips ares12th, and the sound have been so much more amazing.

[patrickgeorge]

Out of this price range yet my RME ADI-2 PRO FS R BE is absolutely awesome and is my preamplifier as well so that helps.on the costs to me plus it has so many options inside. Just awesome cannot praise it enough!

[kodakid]

Purchased the Modi+. Huge improvement over the dac in the mini wiim. Played The Beatles White Album, all I can say " Amazing!" Thanks

[MarkDavidMcCoskey]

Have been using an iFi Zen DAC V2 as a DAC and volume control with the XTZ Edge A-300 for amplification. A clean simple system.

[lilpoindexter]

I bought an audioquest black dragonfly for $99 a few years ago. The sound from that compared to the shitty dac in your computer is a huge step up. Im not sure how much they cost now, but i think they are good.

[NeilBlanchard]

I concur fully with the Geshelli J2S being a reference DAC - it is my reference. I use the big Sparkos SS2590 dual mono module on the RCA socket (1 riser required); and I use a 12V 50W linear power supply.
I have compared this to the Ares II (OG) with the 12th Anniversary firmware update - and my J2S is significantly better, in all aspects. Even with the Sparkos and LPS, the J2S costs half as much.

[paultomaszewski]

I commented on your review for the SMSL SU-1, that I just ordered it the day before you posted the review. You asked what I think about it so here it is. I replaced my SMSL M100 with it because the micro USB connection is failing, so this is only compared to that DAC. I have it as a secondary set up connected to my laptop and going to a Monolith Liquid Spark headphone amp. It's not night a day different, but there is subtle but noticable difference. Mainly ( for me ) it has improved soundstage and imaging. ( went from an ok 3 to 5 blob locations ( depending on headphones ) to a almost perfect smooth transition from left to right and back again ) Bass impact is a little better and overall it is a cleaner sound all together. Nice little unit.

[adsph]

A great list Randy. As I ponder a future dac this is timely information. Thank you.

[mehmetcamat]

I have Eversolo Z8 and I am very happy with it. I was also planning to get a denafrips ares 12th but instead I decided to get a Gustard R26

[Simon_Hawkshaw]

I must admit, out of all the equipment I have, the DAC is the unit that I really don't hear much sonic difference. It is very frustrating to me as so many better qualified and experienced people swear by many different units. This fuels my FOMO paranoia and has me chasing the proverbial hidden dragon. Once I have reset my audio funds account, I will be back into the fray and searching. So, thank you for this timely review and suggestions. Your time, effort, and straightforward honesty are very much appreciated and refreshing.