2. amps-preamps
  3. 164172-128813

Help: Anthem STR dac vs Bryston BDA-1 and others - sounds the same to me

I wanted to go ahead and throw this out there, I know there will be differing opinions but here’s my experience THUS FAR... I cannot hear one shred of difference between the internal DAC of my Anthem STR preamp vs my Bryston BDA-1. Are you surprised?

I’ve listened back and forth on two sets of speakers and test tracks via Qubuz with Roon - speakers are Klipschorns and KEF Reference 5.
I know the Bryston is older so perhaps that has something to do with it. OR, do we often overemphasize what we THINK we hear when we say a DAC sounds so much better than another?
I no longer have the Lumin T2 but I think I remember it sounding better but now I can’t be sure of what I was hearing. I do believe in hearing bias but I would expect to hear something more drastic.. Or are my ears just shot? I don’t think so - but who knows.
Is the DAC in the Anthem just that spectacular?

I’m asking because I’m thinking about adding a Denafrips Potus for fun.
Anyone else have the Anthem and think its DAC is on par with other reasonably priced external dacs?


dtximages
12 responses Add your response
mike_in_nc
1,159 posts
 
The STR Preamp is supposed to be a flagship of sorts for Anthem. I have one and like it a lot. The DAC pleases my ears more than the one in my previous DAC-preamp, a Classé CP-800. Other DACs I’ve tried in this system include the Auralic Vega and Benchmark DAC3.

What sets the Anthem apart from Bryston or Benchmark units is its ability to drive one or two subwoofers, crossed over digitally, and to set parameters for those crossovers that result in outstanding blend between mains and subs. Also, its ARC auto-EQ offers a great deal of control and works well for evening out bass in problematic rooms.

jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
The proliferation of ever-increasingly expensive DACs is a clever marketing ploy to get the insecure and gullible to spend more money!
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
The Audio Critic did a comparison between a Sony Discman and the first Theta DAC (designed by Mike Moffat). Electronics were by Boulder and speakers were Quad 63's. The result? No difference! Today's situation remains the same! Read my above post!
dtximages OP
365 posts
 
 What you're saying rings true with my experiences. I challenge any self professed "audiophile" (a liberally used term) to come over and hear a difference.  I want there to be a difference, but need to be convinced.
oldhvymec
5,101 posts
 
Unless I'm missing something. A DAC is a programed chip or series of chips?. SO who ever is doing the programming is the artful sort or NOT.

I say the better DAC is programmed by a great musician that happens to be a "CODE WRITER". NOT a code writer that is NOT a musician by any definition.

That "DAC" is also coupled with a front end and final components. It could be a very cheap "POP on, POP off" unit that blows tweeters, or a Krell with pure class a, before and after the DAC chips, with foil resistors and all 1% or better matching and of course a perfect power supply.

A DAC is not just a DAC. THOUGH I agree a lot can be said about "Who's programming what, NEXT"? The Programmer or the Musician?

Regards
jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 
A DAC is NOT a computer! Hence NO programming! 
erik_squires
16,346 posts
 
Hey, the STR is a pretty advanced preamp.  Are you sure you are using analog pass through? If not, you could be using it's DAC no matter what. :)
dtximages OP
365 posts
 
@erik_squires  great question and yes, "Convert Analog" is turned off on the RCA 1 input coming from the dac. 

I'll do some more playing, but just surprised they sound literally identical thus far.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,405 posts
 
Many good DACs tend to sound pretty similar. It just means DAC technology is fairly mature now and  they are all doing a good job which is a good thing for buyers.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
6,004 posts
 
jasonbourne52
A DAC is NOT a computer! Hence NO programming
A DAC is very much a computer. How else do you think a DAC can perform the mathematical computations necessary to convert digital code to an analog signal?
erik_squires
16,346 posts
 
Well, I do like the Anthem sound a great deal.  They are currently my favorite HT processor.

If you can't tell the difference in DAC's, may I suggest you turn your attention to your room acoustics? :)
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,405 posts
 
A DAC is merely a special kind of computer designed to do just that one task.
Log in to respond
More to discover
80x80
Mark Levinson No 526
80x80
McIntosh MX-110
80x80
Audio Mirror Addiction Power amp monoblocks