It crashed continuously for me.
Now I wasn’t using in Roon, which apparently makes it a lot more user friendly, but the application would just crash, often on launch.
@Souldriver, I’m just gonna mention this but I am also going to freely admit I am biased towards a particular mid-centric sound signature in much of my music.
Used you can find the simple and dated design of the NOS R2R Border patrol SE-I upgraded DAC. It only plays up to 24bit 96khz. Most come with only the USB input (SPIDIF is an option but you gotta find it)
When I sold my BF2 I only let it go because I owned this unit which satisfied my craving for similar performance sound signature.
Maybe I’m crazy or my ears are off but the Border patrol with the upgraded caps seemed to provide something similar to my BF2 for my system preferences and I really enjoy having it in line with all sorts of combinations of gear.
Just throwing this out there since you are looking for something that can perform like a BF2 but is not the same thing. The BPse-i from my personal experience would be an agreeable solution. 
Was gonna say the same, there are a few more ones that come up less often like Mytek Liberty I, Pro-Ject DAC Box RS, MHDT Atlantis, Cayin iDAC-6 Mk II
Hi, here in Germany there are many LINN fanboys, especially in the well-known German forum: https://www.aktives-hoeren.de/
There is Dr. Gert Volk aka Fortepianus, who is well- known for his LINN and power supply tunings. So it seems for them it is the DAC/Streaming endgame.
Of course we are tallking about devices far beyond 20k!!
4 Likes
I’m looking for a DAP to drive FIR VxV’s. Budget is $700 (used) and i know almost nothing about DAPs, there are so many. I could be convinced to raise the budget, but it would have to be a convincing.
The requirements are NO wired connection between my phone and the device, so dongles are out. I always find myself jiggling the cable and disconnecting. Drives me nuts. Also would like the ability to stream at redbook or better, so bluetooth only
Have also been considering at a Chord Mojo v11 / Poly combo. Any input is appreciated!!! I’m a DAP/portable novice!
1 Like
Do you plan on using streaming services with your DAP? That answer to that should narrow down your choices considerably.
2 Likes
Ah, good question! Absolutely. Qobuz is a requirement also. Room Ready a plus but not required
Basically I want to do wireless high res streaming around the house; and Bluetooth or a SD card is OK when I’m traveling.
1 Like
I have a Hiby RS6 that I can probably cut you a deal on :theface:
It runs Android, so qobuz is a go. It’s got a SD card and basically has every single bell & whistle you can think of.
4 Likes
Mojo2/Poly maybe? They’re a little bit difficult to get right now, but not impossible.
1 Like
Can you snag an sp1000 in that price range? I was fairly impressed with min when i had it and the sw polish is quite high. Only android based dap i would realy consider at this point tbh
1 Like
An old android phone, something with decedent built in DAC like an LG would fit the bill, be cheap and give you exactly what you’re asking for at a cost of a couple hundred bucks or less.
1 Like
OK, then you will have to buy a DAP with an Android OS more than likely (if you don’t go the Mojo/Poly route). Just throwing this out there…my Shanling M6 2021 is currently for sale. Introducing Shanling M6 (21)_Shenzhen Shanling Digital Techno
1 Like
Wow! Lots of good advice and lots of daps for sale! I’m going to reasearch all of those! 
Are there power or other performance type concerns? From my reading on on the interwebs much of the discussion about DAPs is about features, while the discussion for circumaural headphone gear is usually about technical capabilities.
2 Likes
Well, my DAP is pretty powerful. It has a 4.4 and 3.5 jack and powers almost everything I have except the Diana V2 (which it still does moderately well).
2 Likes
It really depends on the Dap you get, there’s many that are good for iems because they don’t need to squeeze much juice but I’ve heard from mon about some that have enough to even power planars etc. It’s just like desktop amps tbh lol. I personally haven’t used a desktop solution in a while. Actually kind of a lie since my main amplifier is the WA8 which is a desktop amp that’s transportable.
Even the next Dap that I plan on buying in fact actually is known for having a ridiculous amount of power for most headphones so it always depends lol
1 Like
Good stuff. Will research! Thanks all!!
Also, I’m relieved to see that everything mentioned can decode 32bit/768kHz and DSD512. I have a library full of those tracks that I’d hate to miss out on. 
2 Likes
One other thing to keep in mind since you use Roon is that only a few A&K DAPs are Roon Compatible. Hopefully that changes eventually though.
3 Likes
Since you’re also looking at a Chord Mojo/Poly combo, you might also consider an ifi xDSD Gryphon. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at the SQ, using my phone as the source and connecting via Bluetooth.
2 Likes
Anyone know (or recs) any passive pre brands other than gold point, khozmo, and bespoke (which is probably out of budget)? I’m thinking of going the passive route instead of active but don’t know much about what’s out there…
Only requirement is it needs to be balanced. Remote would be cool but not needed.
Unless you are spending about the same on the Pre as the amp it’s plugged into, I wouldn’t go active.
There are options for decent relay based passive pre’s from China. But even then for a balanced solution your probably looking at $300 shipped to the US.
Simplest though is to just go analog Pot, it really isn’t that big a hit, I used an OBH12, because I like remote volume, bit it’s SE only and I don’t know of something modern and similar, and again for a decent on probably at least $200, probably >$300 if your not sourcing something no name.
2 Likes