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
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?
Muratc,
Both Boulder 1012 or 2020 are excellent units. Even today these designs sounds very good indeed. Metronome Kalista Reference is probably one of the most expensive(and from design point if view one of the most interesting) cd transports currently on the market. It will work with Boulder but, keep in mind that Boulders(1012 and 2020) are fully balanced desinges and they work very best via AES/EBU connection. I will also suggest that you try dCS Purcell between Kalista and 1012(or 2020)... Purcell may be found here on Agon as used unit for not too much money. This way you will also benefite from upsampling(via Purcell) and Boulder will work at 768k upsampling. If you will be able to try this combo please report your findings here. I am very interested in results...
Thanks Branimir, the reason I want to go with Boulder 2020 is because I recently replaced ML Pre/power amps with 2010 Pre and 2050 Monos. I'm thinking it will be best to complete the set with the Boulder DAC. As for Metronome, I've heard great things about its Non-reference Kalista transport from a very trustable friend, so while I'm still in a insane mood of buying I might as well go with the best :-))

BTW, 2010+2050 combo is just out of this world (yes, price wise, too)
Muratc, may I also suggest that you try new Esoteric D-03/P-03/G-0s combo. This combo will cost more or less the same money as Boulder 2020 dac... This is just a thought of mine. Esoteric new units(D-01/P-01/G-0s or D-03/P-03/G-0s combos or X-01 and X-01Limited players) are excellent.
And in the build quality they are in the league of your Boulder combo. Esoteric D-03/P-03/G-0s combo may sound even better then Boulder 2020 with Kalista. Esoteric gear also sound better via its balanced connection and is fully compatible with your excellent Boulder 2050/2010 combo. As I matter of fact Jeff Fritz of http://www.ultraaudio.com/ is using Boulder 1060/1010 combo and Esoteric UX-3 in his reference system...