Matchstikman
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First, some history. In the last year I got infected by the audio flu when I read about the Decware 300b. However, the 300b isn't an amp for me for several reasons.
That being said, or written, I've been tweaking other pieces of gear. I rolled some tubes and then I thought that maybe a different DAC might help.
For years I"ve been a fan of Bel Canto DACs. And, I tried out SCHITT DACs. Good DACs.
But, I always read about the great Benchmark DAC and I thought about getting one, but along the way, during the research, I stumbled upon Borderpatrol and their tube rectified DAC. Lots of good reviews and even Steve Guttenberg said great things about it.
So, I purchased it.
I've been listening to it for about a week. It sounds different than the other DACS. It sounds like a DAC that might have existed in the 50s or 60s if DACs were around in those days. It is a no-frills type of DAC. It only really works with redbook for the most part but audio-type folks can probably find a way or two around that limitation. I didn't get the USB version of it.
The reviews of this DAC state that it rolls off the low-end. So, because of this, I think it goes great with the ZROCK2. The low end is there.
If you like quartets, like Kronos, acoustic guitar, like Simon & Garfunkel, acoustic piano, like Thelonious Monk, rock, like Pink Floyd, then I think this is a DAC that you might enjoy, too.
However, I still like the Bel Canto, and I'm lucky enough to own two CD transports: one for the Borderpatrol, and one for the Bel Canto. So, no compromise here.
This weekend, life is good.
Thoughts?
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