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02/03/26 at 11:56:37

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RE: Pairing my La Scala Spkrs, Rachel AMP and DAC (Read 23 times)

bsac

Verified Member

Posts: 10

RE: Pairing my La Scala Spkrs, Rachel AMP and DAC
Today at 06:03:35

I need some recommendations on what DAC to pair with my Klipsch La Scala Speakers (ALK x-overs) which are powered by my Decware Rachel amp.

I am currently using a Wiim Ultra Music streamer which has an ESS neutral sounding Sigma based chip. I suppose it's OK? I have never tried any other DAC so I don't know. There have been lots of raves about R2R DACS and R2R TUBE DACS but I was wondering if that too much warmth to the point of getting sloppy?

I'm seeking recommendations on finding a DAC that is revealing and has great soundstage depth with lots of harmonics for fatigue-free listening.

Anyone have ideas?

Wiim Ulta
Turntable Pioneer PL-51A
Decware Rachel w/4 outputs including sub out
Klipsch LaScala (1980) with ALK x-over
James Loudspeaker 15" EMB-1500 Subwoofer

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whynotnothing

Verified Member

Posts: 14

Re: Pairing my La Scala Spkrs, Rachel AMP and DAC
Reply #1 - Today at 09:21:16

ESS does sound neutral and is alright.

My 2 cents is that I've used ESS then moved to Denafrips Ares II and it added what you're looking for - more depth and fatigue-free listening.

E.g. compared to Topping, on congested parts of tracks it had just a smidge less resolution, but nowhere near to the point of being sloppy.

I'm not sure if its R2R related, or there's some DSP going on there (supposedly there is), but either way it sounds good and better than ESS.

I would also perhaps explore the DACs with tube output stage that use some older R2R chips. For me the game is less about coloration (I can add more warmth easily by switching input tubes in my amp), more about the depth of the recording.

YMMV the effect a DAC can have depends of course on rest of the chain etc

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Lon

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Posts: 27412

Re: Pairing my La Scala Spkrs, Rachel AMP and DAC
Reply #2 - Today at 10:53:58

I'm not sure what your budget is but in the last two decades I've tried a handful of DACs (none mentioned in this thread however) and the one biggest bang for the buck and best sounding and flexible for me has been finding a used NAD Master Series M51 DAC. I found a used one for 500 dollars and since have seen two go for about that price used (this DAC was discontinued some years ago). It can serve as a preamp and has quite versatile inputs and outputs--single-ended, balanced outputs and an HDMI pass through, has two HDMI inputs, coaxial and optical inputs as well as AES/EBU and USB. And a very natural, dynamic sound.

Worth looking for in my opinion and one DAC I'd recommend.

A fair review: https://www.stereophile.com/content/nad-m51-direct-digital-da-converter

HR-1,ZBIT,ZROCK3,SEWE300B; Rega RP3 all GrooveTracer mods;PSAudio:PST+DSD, DAC Mk II,NPC,PowerBases,AC-12 pwr cbls, Reference spkrcbls; Mapleshade SamsonV3;VeraFi Audio cpts VooDoo:Cremona+Amati interconnects;Stack EQ; headphones:Sennheiser HD800S,ZMF Ori,Oppo PM1

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