DACs and bass response?

@shadorne: the reasons I haven't tried the benchmark are 1) complaints that it's a very complex component (not exactly plug in and play) and 2)  that it sounds thin/lean. You seem to be very technically competent, so let's set aside complaint #1 and focus on #2. I'll assume that you haven't found the sound to be wanting in this regard. Would you mind listing the source, amplification and speakers you're using in conjunction with the Benchmark? 

@audioengr,

Thank you for your feedback and sharing the link. I guess that’s one way to promote external reclocker by taking a subpar DAC/Streamer. I do not know about anyone else but IMO, SONOS connect box is a piece of crap. It’s also one of the most antiquated streamer/DAC in their lineup.

May be you can post some measurements with Bluesound Node 2 or Aurender N100 and Synchro-Mesh reclocker.  Also, what degree of improvement justifies the cost of external reclocker and digital cables?

Having said that, I do recognize the importance of a quality digital source and DAC that employs best designs attributes to minimize or eliminate jitter within digital domain.

I would be open to try an external reclocker between my two sources Aurender N10 / Bluesound Vault 2 and ARC DAC9 in near future. At this time, I am very content and happy with fabulous sound output of my digital setup.

Thank you for your feedback and sharing the link. I guess that’s one way to promote external reclocker by taking a subpar DAC/Streamer. I do not know about anyone else but IMO, SONOS connect box is a piece of crap. It’s also one of the most antiquated streamer/DAC in their lineup.

The final jitter will be exactly the same, no matter what the source is. you can literally compete with a $20K transport using a $300 transport and a $1400 Synchro-Mesh and Dynamo power supply.  The input jitter to the Synchro-Mesh is totally unimportant. 

The Sonos is very popular and many folks like the interface well enough.  With the Synchro-Mesh reclocking, the Sonos actually sounds as good as any of my $3K digital interfaces, including USB and Ethernet.

Maybe you can post some measurements with Bluesound Node 2 or Aurender N100 and Synchro-Mesh reclocker.  Also, what degree of improvement justifies the cost of external reclocker and digital cables?

I would be happy to if I had one of these on hand.  So far, everything I have compared with the Synchro-Mesh has much higher jitter.

Having said that, I do recognize the importance of a quality digital source and DAC that employs best designs attributes to minimize or eliminate jitter within digital domain.

I would be open to try an external reclocker between my two sources Aurender N10 / Bluesound Vault 2 and ARC DAC9 in near future. At this time, I am very content and happy with fabulous sound output of my digital setup.

When you are ready, I have 30-day money-back on most of my products, less shipping. BTW, I also now offer a truly world-class S/PDIF BNC/RCA cable for $499. My whole career in audio has been devoted to achieving the lowest jitter.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

Steve,

“The final jitter will be exactly the same, no matter what the source is” - Agreed.

“You can literally compete with a $20K transport using a $300 transport and a $1400 Synchro-Mesh and Dynamo power supply”
- That’s a pretty bold statement, what have you tried and compared in that range to arrive at this conclusion.

“Input jitter to the Synchro-Mesh is totally unimportant” - Agreed.

“The Sonos is very popular and many folks like the interface well enough. With the Synchro-Mesh reclocking, the Sonos actually sounds as good as any of my $3K digital interfaces, including USB and Ethernet”
- Wyrd 4 Sound offers an somewhat similar internal upgrade for lot less. Once you add the cost of Connect, Mesh w/Dynamo PS, extra digital cable, you are already at $2250. It would be interesting to compare this setup with let’s say Aurender N100.

I wonder if anyone else from our esteemed community can chimed in with their experience with Mesh / Dynamo PS.

@stuartk


You asked about my setup.

Here is a link https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/6257

I think the DAC3 sounds like one of the cleanest and clearest windows to the recording that I have heard so far. Apparently it compares well to PS Audio (see recent Stereophile article). I have heard it against ARC DAC 8 and a Gustard Pro with reclockers/bridge (Singxer SU-1) and it doesnt need or benefit from special cables or reclocking although those other devices did. I would not call it thin. Transparent is the best word. It has an extremely low noise floor so details are highly audible but it remains smooth like vinyl. First device I have heard without the slightest hint of digital glare. I think the latest Weiss, Cranesong Solars and Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ will be similar and equally enjoyable. These latest DACs are astonshingly good and not expensive. Technology Progress is wonderful. If you prefer something euphonic then none of the DACs I have mentioned above should be on your short list.

Per Steve’s recommendation, once you settle on a DAC I recommend you try a bridge/reclocker and different cables/inputs yourself. I found no benefit in the Singxer SU-1 and no difference between various digital inputs but YMMV and certainly many DACs do need a reclocker or a bridge to sound their best.