Reference DACS: An overall perspective


There has been many threads the last few months regarding the sonic signature of some of the highest regarded reference DACS (Dcs,Meitner,Ensemble,Audio Note,Zanden,Reimyo,Accustic Arts) here on the GON. I have been very fortunate to audtion many of these wonderful pieces in my home or friend's systems. I wanted to share, in a systematic way, my impressions/opinions with you GON members for a two reasons: 1)That my experiences might be helpful to fellow members interested in audtioning these DACS. 2)Starting an interesting discussion regarding the different "sonic flavors" of these reference digital front ends. I totally agree with the statement, "if you have not heard it you don't have an opinion". Therefore, I have no comments regarding DACS from Weiss,Goldmund,Audio Aero and Burmester because I have never had the pleasure of audtioning them. I would love to hear from members who have and share their experiences with us. My overall impression is that these DACS(Dcs,Meitner,Ensemble,Audio Note,Zanden,Reimyo,Accustic Arts) can be grouped into two molar categories regarding their overall sonic signature. By the way, all of them can throw a large/deep soundstage with excellent layering in the acoustic space with "air" around individual players on that stage. However, than they start to part company into two major categories. Category #1) These DACS "flavors" revolve around pristine clarity, fine sharp details,speed,very extended top/bottom frequencies,and great PRAT. These DACS never sound "etched" or "in your face" but are more "upfront" then "layed back" in their presentation. The DACS, to my ear's, that go into this bracket are Dcs,Ensemble,Meitner. My personnal favorite in this group is the Ensemble, which I owned for two years. These DACS remind me of the sonic signature of speakers such as Wilson,Thiel,Dynaudio, Focal/JM Labs. Category #2) These DACS "flavors" revolve around a "musical/organic" sense, natural timbres,and an easy flowing liquidity. Their "less forward" presentation my give the impression of less detail, but I think in this case its an illusion fostered by their more relaxed/organic manner. The DACS, to my ear's, that go into this bracket are Audio Note,Zanden,Reimyo,Accustic Arts. I did find that the tube DACS did not have the top/bottom frequency extenstion and PRAT of the SS DACS in this bracket. For me, the Accustic Arts DAC1-MK3 gave me the best of both categories, therefore it is now the resident DAC in my system. These DACS remind me of the sonic signature of speakers such as Magnepan,Von Schweikert,Sonus Faber. Well, it's all just my opinion regarding these digital pieces, but I hope this post was at least informative/somewhat interesting and would lend itself to other GON members sharing their impressions, not about what DAC is the "BEST" in the world, but your personnal taste and synergy with your system.
teajay
As I said above, the effect is subtle, at least ubtil you remove it from the chain. For me the difference is audible and with the X0-1 LE seems to move the unit a step closer to analogue without sacrificing any of the unit's strengths. Whether or not the improvement is worth the very high asking price is another question. I have not made the decision yet whether to buy the unit but am leaning in that direction. YMMV.
Branimir, I was just curious about what's happening with your on-going auditioning of different dacs/transports in your home system.

I have not heard anything recently that I thought was that special or was significantly better then my Acoustic Arts Dac 1 MK3 and Ensemble transport.

It would be great to hear from you.
TJ , I believe this thread if informative and it's content's quality well above the average here on A'gon , congrats for initiating it.
Being a perpetual student type I don't post a lot unless I have something I consider meaningful to add.
I own the EMM , dCS and Zanden combos ( in 3 different rooms in my place) and I have listened to most of the other units mentioned by you, except for the Acoustic Arts.
So far I had not a clear favorite , but last week I got an APL modified TEAC Esoteric UX-01 ( called NWO-2) which beats them all , and has done that in a non subtle way.
I'm presently having a 5 way bi-amped ALE horn system in an acoustically treated room.
In short, the sound with this player is having both the dynamics , resolution and dramatic energy ( call it tension, or "having balls") of one group together with the delicacy of the second group.
It uses 20 DAC's per channel ( latest AKM crop) and 6H30 tube output.
Dan
Teajay, some of us have to work...
I have in my system No.1 Esoteric D-01/P-01/G-0s combo for few days. It is little bit too early for final judgment but, my feeling is that it is better in few very important areas of sound then my Weiss combo. Since Esoteric combo is very expensive I need more time for final opinion...
Krell Evolution 505 player will be in my systems in early April( I hope!).
Regarding Esoteric I will try to get my hands on D-03/P-03 combo as well as P-03Universal transport as well. I am currently listening to Esoteric UX-3 player and it is a lot better with RBCDs then my DV50s. Since Esoteric will replace DV50s till end of 2006 with DV60(no details yet!) my advice to all potential costumers of DV50s is too either go for UX-3 or wait for DV60...
Any news at your side?
I'm considering a Metronome Kalista Reference transport combined with a Boulder How do you think these combo will sound? I'm sure it's not been tried, but has anyone listened to a Boulder DAC or Kalista transport in a familiar setup?