Audiophilepure

https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/reference-components/1950-recommended-reference-component-hegel-music-systems-d50-digital-to-analog-converter

in his conclusion George states that the Hegel D50 “delivers utterly quiet, incredibly smooth, and composed performances with astonishing dynamic presence. . . . It steps out of the way of the music, delivering resolution and detail in a nonchalant manner.” He acknowledges that at $4900 the D50 “can’t be called affordable”, but points out that “given its level of refinement,” compared to the prices of other high-end reference DACs, “it could be considered a bargain.” George’s praise for the D50’s performance and value earned it a Reviewers’ Choice award when his review was published. The D50 is now recognized as the latest winner of our Recommended Reference Component award for its performance.

https://www.audiophilia.com/reviews/2025/4/2/infigo-audio-method-4-dac

Infigo Audio Method 4 High End Digital to Analog Converter

The Infigo Audio Method 4 DAC is a serious (and expensive at USD 35,000) contender for those who want impeccable clarity and transparency— and have the money. It uses the finest DAC chips, is simple to operate, and can play anything without fuss. As for those quiet moments revealed, I wish Method 4 could be programmed to make my home quiet like that upon demand

The Discrete Class A Output Buffer provides consistent linearity and low distortion, and is designed to provide superior impedance matching, ensuring optimal signal transfer between the DAC and the connected amplifier or headphones. Maintaining a low output impedance minimizes signal degradation and allows longer cable runs without loss of fidelity. As with all Class A circuits, the buffer operates with continuous current draw, resulting in a higher operating temperature than more energy-efficient designs.

ESS chips are known for their accuracy in sound presentation without inputting much of a stamp on the signature. This allows what is there to be heard uncolored and unencumbered by nuances other chips may impact on the sound.

Pairing with a variety of amplifiers allowed the amplifier to dictate the sonic characteristics heard. But, changing the Soundcolor settings allows the user to fine-tune what we hear. If you pair it with a tube amplifier, you can add more subtle bits through the three tube options.

Prefer a more crystal response for genres such as micro-detailed classical? There are options for that, as well as adding richness to the scale.

I found myself changing with different songs played, allowing for a fine-tuning that almost became a ritual. But if one focuses on a single (or two) genre(s), know that setting and forgetting is worth it, too.

Coming across as neutral, the RAWPro-DAC1 allowed altering nothing or a lot as your pleasure without distracting from the overall excellence.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/emm-labs-da2i-da-processor

Setup was a snap. I placed the unit on the top shelf of my rack and supported it with the same Wilson Audio Pedestals I use under my reference DAC system and other components. Then I attached the input, output, and power cables and fired it up. Instead of using the supplied Kimber power cable (footnote 7), I used the same power cable I use with my reference. I also stuck exclusively with the DA2i’s XLR (balanced) outputs, because the D’Agostino Relentless preamp in my reference system only accepts balanced.

From cold, EMM Labs recommends keeping the unit on for 3-4 days before listening. It isn’t necessary to run signal through it during this period, they say. Because first impressions make an outsized impact, I waited a good four days before listening. I compared the DA2i to the much more expensive, three-piece Vivaldi Apex system, my reference. It took me just a minute or two to easily switch between them by moving a single USB cable and pair of XLR cables between the two DACs.

https://www.stereophile.com/content/emm-labs-da2i-da-processor

The DA2i enables you to stream from an outboard server—I connected the Innuos Statement Next-Gen music server via USB, which allowed me to play recordings stored on its internal drive, my NAS (which is located in my office in the main house), and the servers of streaming services Qobuz and Tidal—or to use Roon, mConnect, or other playback software to operate the DA2i’s internal streamer. I stuck to Roon at the request of the folks at EMM Labs, but the manual devotes nine pages to mConnect.