Today I saw the most interesting dac comparaison written by MON
Thanks a lot about detailed informations. We can’t borrow and try all dacs but reading this dac comparaison is a little like hearing them.
My system is Melco N1Z6T streamer- Audio gd Di-20 interface- DCS Elgar Plus with Purcell Upsampler-BAT VK3iXSe Tube preamp- Melos single ended 75W tube monoblocks heavily modified- Martin Logan CLSIiA full electrostats- Martin Logan Descent I sub.
I plan to change the DCS combo because I find them on the lean analytical side They lack meat in the mids. (Not enough organic ?)
The Martin Logan CLSIIA needs warmish gear to play correctly. They’re detailed and can sound on the lean side with the wrong gear.
I tried a Sonic Frontiers Dac SFD-2 MK2 and loved the results but It’s over 20 years old and they ask crazy price for these. The utra analog modules inside are hard to find and can fail with age,
So I Stay intrigued by the Sonnet Morpheus. I could use it in I2S mode because with my interface I can select and taylor wire pinout. I can buy a used Morpheus for 2100 CDN (1680 USD). This is correct with the price I could pay. The other contender I looked was the Denafrips Pontus II. I think the Morpheous is a better choice for me than the Pontus II
What’s important for me: I hate over detailed forward sound, I love’ meaty’ mids.(organic) Timbre is important for me. Good soundstage depth. As I mostly listen acoustic jazz trio, etc, I don’t need something ultra dynamic or transient razor sharp.
By my description, do you think the Morpheus could be a good coice ? or do you have any other recommendations ?
I have used the Sonic Frontier DAC in my own space and yes it did very well with several of my mid-centric style speakers.
By your own description and desires an inexpensive and simple option w/ your speakers would be the Border Patrol SE, i used it, enjoyed it, miss it and it would fit your desires pretty well and easily be within your budget. Welcome to the forum, hope we can help steer younin a direction you want to go in. Good luck in your journey
Thanka a lot for your recommendation. This is not the first time I hear good things about Border Patrol dac. About the price I could pay. I never buy something new so I could get better with sometimes half the price new. Dacs are like computers they change often the model so you can afford great gear at good prices. There’s some exception like The SFD2 MK2 which the seller ask $2900 CDN (2350 USD) It is mint but at least $900 CDN too high.
I seriously look at the Denafrips Pontus !! and a Sonnet Morpheus which I can get for $ 2200 CDN ( $ 1760 USD ) I would prefer a dac I could use in I2s Mode and with balanced outputs. These two dacs have both these,
The Pontus II isn’t that warm or meaty as you may be looking for.
I know you’re in favor of buying used (so am I!) but maybe read about the Holo Cyan 2, I’ve heard good things about it and knowing Holo, it’s probably warmish and it has I2S like you’re looking for.
If you can save a bit more and be patient finding one used, the Ferrum Wandla is a good option with I2S that from a technical performance standpoint, beats all of the DACs mentioned here.
Finally’ I bought a Sonnet Morpheus. I’m extremely satisfied. The blend with my Martin Logan CLSIIA is fantastic. This is what I wanted. Presently, I use it in XLR mode with my Audio gd DI 20 interface. I will use a I2S cable as soon as I will choose something that have a RJ45 plug on one side and a HDMI plug on the other side. It looks I will have to do DIY or buy a custom made cable.
