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
It depends on what options you pick for the Altmann.
The model with all the bells and whistles (this is the one that I have), is about $1,700 USD.

Nilthepill,
'All things being equal', 7 is perfect for me.
The tonal balance of the Altmann sounds like live music.
The weight of the Altmann sounds like live music.
The articulation of the Zanden sounds like live music.

I hope to get the Zanden close to the Altmann in the first two categories by adding Altmann's JISCO re-clocking device.
Adding the JISCO to my Attraction DAC helped the weight, tonal balance, low frequency extension and mid-bass bloom. These same aspects improved in an older digital configuration that I had when I added the Stealth Vardig Sextet digital cable. Like the JISCO, I believe that this cable helps to keep the time signature marching along at the proper pace. I have thus come to the temporary conclusion that getting the timing right in the digital domain goes a long way to 'fleshing' out the music, especially below the midrange.

I think I could get the articulation of the Attraction close to that of the Zanden if I changed the battery that I am currently using to a much more robust one suggested by a user on another 'Altmann' thread (which for some reason has been pulled by Audiogon).
Exlibris, you are right, the Altmann Attraction DAC thread in the Digital Forum of this site has been removed. Does anyone know why? When things like this happen, I think there should be some explanation by the moderators.

BTW: Well done on your thoughtful and careful comparisons Exlibris.
I asked the moderators, and they said that all threads are set to expire and be deleted 30 days after the first message. They said a small number of thread are maintained beyond that point if the thread raises issues of longer-term value. They also said they'd be willing to revive the Altmann thread if I could identify it by subject heading. I did my best to remember, but probably didn't get it right. If anybody else can remember the subject heading and wants the thread revived, send an email to customer service, to the attention of Brian. Thanks.
Pardales,
Thank you. I will receive the JISCO in 3 to 5 weeks and report on what it does in combination with the Zanden DAC.

Nilthepill,
The bottom-end of the Zanden has opened up a little after many hours of use.
I'm not sure I'll have a final decision on these DACs anytime soon. I plan to just keep them both and move them in and out of my system when trying out different components (especially linestages). The Attraction puts out 5v and the Zanden only 1v. How the DACs compare to one another in a particular system may largely come down to the synergy between DAC and linestage.
Thanks Exlibris. Let me know when you have completed trying both DACs out with different linestages. Different out puts may not make big difference if you compare with right volume match. Agree that synergy and system match big difference as to how DAC would perform, but still your comparisions will be helpful.

It sounds like Zanden bottom-end opening up will have overall sound to move towards the right reference number(7). - musical and warmer sound?