DAC reccomendations

[grafxdesin]

Good evening, i'm looking for some DAC recommendations. I have been enjoying my CD's more and more since vinyl has become so expensive. I have been collecting vinyl for well over 20 years, but now I am starting to have fun collecting CD's as well. I am also reading more and more that with a good DAC a CD can sound as good as vinyl. We shall see...
I currently have the Onkyo C-7030 with the Wolfson chip, this player also has an optical out which I could use with an external DAC and possibly get a better sound.
What are some good external DAC's that would be an upgrade from the one inside the C-7030?
Schiit Modius? What else?

 

[shacky]

Not familiar with you Onkyo DAC but I’m very happy with my Schiit Modi. My Music Hall 25.2 with tube buffer is my “better” DAC though it can be a tad bright depending on my setup. Modi is perfect for my tube setup and MH is best with my SS.

Many better choices out there. Good luck and I’m sure you will hear a difference

 

[Condorsat]

There was thread on AK some time ago Going Digital ... which might be interesting read for you.

I mostly spin Vinyl & Stream ... that being said. I own several CD players. Both sound better running to external DACS (Schiit Modi 2 Uber & Bifrost 4490).

Good luck.

 

[markd51]

Seems there's a lot of pleased owners of the Denafrips Ares entry level DAC.
I own a Terminator II.

 

[linuxfan]

grafxdesin, I strongly recommend you audition before buying. DAC's, in general, are highly subject to the law of diminishing returns.
Secondly, the Onkyo C-7030 is very well regarded, and at a price-point of US$250 the manufacturer can afford to include a half-decent DAC. In fact forum member ghamilton posted about the C-7030 as a "Giant price/performance killer!" -
https://www.audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/giant-price-performance-killer.1013007/
So the Schiit Modi, as good as it is, may not necessarily be superior to the C-7030's internal DAC.
It's feasible that the Denafrips ARES may get you a boost in SQ, but take into consideration you would be spending 3x the value of the C-7030, itself.
Audition if you can.

 

[HB3]

Schiit put out the Modi Multibit 2 yesterday. I ordered one and it should be here by Christmas.

 

[Frank Sol]

Your Onkyo C-7030 is a time tested and liked Player...

Who knows -- You may have to spend 2x the price of the CDP on a DAC to better the Onkyo

 

[grafxdesin]

You guys are great and I appreciate all the feedback. I love the sound of my C-7030 and the reason I bought it in the first place was because of your recommendations. I will be keeping the C-7030 and possible just using it as a transport. The two DAC's I am looking at right now are
Schiit Modi Multibit 2
Topping D50S

 

[Big-L]

You guys are great and I appreciate all the feedback. I love the sound of my C-7030 and the reason I bought it in the first place was because of your recommendations. I will be keeping the C-7030 and possible just using it as a transport. The two DAC's I am looking at right now are
Schiit Modi Multibit 2
Topping D50S

The regular Modi was way better the the D50s,I've had both and can only imagine how much better the multi bit is...I've since moved on with a Gungnir (Gumby) and have the Onkyo C-7030 that came with the Burr-Brown DAC (thought I'd heard they changed it) and I've used it as a transport...sounds great !

 

[reardonp6]

I know you may think this a bit old school...but I am.(76) but I know a few things!

I have the Onkyo 7030 I enjoy it.. I also have the MSB Link DAC with the P-1000 power supply running thru a DIP Monarchy to adjust for timing and jitter. It's only 48/96 bit,however if you are going to play only redbox cd's it's a great combo. I like both. It does boil down to you amp and speakers however. I wish you the best on your journey for the best DAC that suits your ears.

 

[Gregg 73]

I like my Gustard X-16. Come with the ESS 9068AS DAC chip. Remote control and Bluetooth to boot.