DAC comparison

@oddiofyl 

No doubt it was.

Charles 

There's a really interesting paper by AKM running around somewhere about using charged capacitors instead of resistors and the benefits.  I'm not able to remember the technical details, but the appearance of these DAC chips coincides with my experience of there being a whole new era of DAC's.  Aside from ring dacs (i.e. dCS)  I wouldn't touch a DAC more than 10 years old. 

Aside from ring dacs (i.e. dCS)  I wouldn't touch a DAC more than 10 years old. 

A broad paintbrush it appears to be. However we can only report our own experiences as we know them. This stance/perspective is definitely understood and appreciated in that light.

Charles

@backdoor  If your decision was solely around the Yggdrasil, I'd suggest upgrading from it. There are many options that deliver what the Yggdrasil does well AND also give you more. In some cases, much more. For reference regarding what I just wrote, my preference coalesces around naturalism, realism, and emotional connectivity.

The DAC 8 is a 'different' choice. Analogous (though not entirely) to someone choosing 'vintage' components over modern ones. As others have pointed out, listening to it within the context of your system and goals is important. 

My point being, were it me, I'd be comfortable upgrading from the Yggdrasil without an in home audition TO: current well reviewed / owner feedback DACs. However, if the choice was the DAC 8, I would want it in my system first...before making a decision.

FWIW, despite the Yggdrasil being the 'superior' DAC, it is the ARC DAC 7 that remains memorable and special.

@david_ten

FWIW, despite the Yggdrasil being the ’superior’ DAC, it is the ARC DAC 7 that remains memorable and special.

An interesting dichotomy, the "superior" DAC is recalled as less special and memorable. I wonder what is the perceived sonic gap between the DAC7 (Tube) and DAC 8 (Transistor) ?

Charles