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DACs and bass response?

I'm auditioning dacs in my system. One (COS) was way to analytical, overall, but had very tight bass. Another (Aqua La Voce) is what some would describe as "musical"  and sounds  terrific in all aspects except bass. My cdp alone does better in that regard. I have monitors and no subs. Can I expect that dacs that are hyper-detailed will also offer tighter bass as a rule?
stuartk
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
It’s hard to believe that a DAC designer wouldn’t use effective caps in their design.

It is, but I would not have had a lucrative modding business for 10 years if it was not the case.

I trust my ears also.  I have to because measurements just don't cut it IME.  A good audio designer must rely on both measurements and their ears.  I cringe when I read about someone starting out in this industry and thinks they can navigate on measurements alone.  I recently read this on DIY forum...

Steve N.

Empirical Audio


georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
stuartk DACs and bass response? Aqua La Voce

The Aqua La Voce uses the R2R Multibit PCM1704, a killer D/A converter especially in the bass. Used by Naim555, LinnCD12, ML39 ect all which have killer bass.
  
The La Voce I/V stage after the 1704 should be fine and the output buffers should be fine, all that is left is the cheap blue coupling Cap. As I pictured before, or even better go direct coupled.

Cheers George
stuartk OP
2,825 posts
 
@georgehifi: And with the right cables, I discovered it had been there, all along!  
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Stuartk,
Interesting, changing cables resolved the bass issue. Are you referring to the digital, power cable or interconnect? I’ve heard the Aqua Hifi  Formula DAC and was very impressed. I’m sure you’re hearing excellent sound with your DAC. Congratulations.
Charles
stuartk OP
2,825 posts
 
@charles1dad: I tried swapping out the digital cable, then the power cable. At first, I thought they were both contributing to the improved bass. After posting the above message, I listened further and and determined that the replacement power cord was actually rolling off highs, resulting in an overall "darker" tonality. It was also diminishing the overall sense of organization. The latter may not be an audiophile term. What I mean is that, with the replacement power cord, simultaneously overdubbed guitar parts, for example did not sound as if they were properly synced. Instead, there was a sense of chaos. Replacing the original power cord yield a sound I preferred. Nevertheless, I’m going to try still another digital cable.
as this is my first DAC, I have no previous experience with digital cables
and it seems prudent to explore a little further.
More to discover