
I do not know exactly how many DACs and Streamers I’ve reviewed over the years, but the number is in three figure territory. And when I say reviewed, this means I’ve spent a minimum of weeks, most often months, in some cases years, with each and every one, listening and comparing. [footnote 1]
The entire point of sharing lists like these is twofold: Of greatest importance, I am offering a shortcut view into my preferences. This kind of information is invaluable for readers because it puts all of my reviews in a more meaningful context.
The secondary reason is people love lists — like shopping lists — and I am of the opinion that the following list contains DACs that are all capable of providing deep musical satisfaction and they stand out in this regard from all of the DACs I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know.
Twittering Machines Favorite Digital Gear [updated 1.26.2023]
Helm Audio Bolt DAC ($99.99) | Review
THX Onyx Portable DAC ($199.99) | Review
AudioQuest DragonFly Cobalt ($299.95)
Denafrips ARES II ($780) | Review
Mytek Liberty DAC II ($1495) | Review
Denafrips PONTUS II ($1700) | Review
Auralic ARIES G1.1 Wireless Streaming Transporter (starts at $3249) | Review
Sonnet Digital Audio Morpheus DAC ($3399.00) | Review
Denafrips Terminator II DAC ($4427.00) | Review
EMM Labs NS1 Streamer ($4500) | Review
Sonnet Digital Audio Pasithea DAC ($4995) | Review
HoloAudio KTE May DAC ($4999.99) | Review
Ideon Audio Ayazi mk2 DAC & 3R Master Time Black Star ($3900 / $3900) | Review
totaldac d1-tube DAC/Streamer (7320euro ex VAT or roughly US$8600) | Review
Meitner MA3 Integrated D/A Converter ($10,500) | Review
totaldac d1-tube MK2 (9100euro ex VAT or roughly $10,800)
Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC ($13,400) | Review
EMM Labs DA2 V2 Reference Stereo DAC ($30,000) | Review
- These days, the amount of time spent listening is a necessary distinction to point out since there are reviewers who call listening to something for minutes a review, which is like spending minutes talking to a stranger on the phone and calling it a relationship.