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
Hi Kops,

Nice system...Pass and Sonus Faber with Jorma and DCS...very good combination i bet.

As for DCS, i have heard DCS Elgar Plus stack and SCarlatti full stack, having compared both with my Zanden.

I have a deep respect for DCS (both stacks). From what i have been told by dealer (of both products), the AMR is an amazing player, but they did not seem to rate it has highly as the DCS...i think they felt AMR was emininently musical and a great, great all around player, but perhaps not as technically accomplished as the DCS Elgar, Debussy or certain Scarlatti.
Until they settle on a true supported digital format (and I doubt that FLACK is it) and address the STUPID prices on essentially PC hardware I can't get too excited about hi-res audio. No easy to obtain source material, obsolescence a real certainty, and hideous prices aren't my cup of tea.

Yes, 24-bit sounds great. But no, it isn't a long term, or even "sort of" long term investment and at way too much money.

Everything in them is HUGE market based PC hardware except a couple of analog D-A converters. I don't see $5,000.00 in that.

Even Bryston and Olive units that are more mainstream are WAY overpriced for what's in them. The audio industry is killing itself. Boomers can't keep this going forever.
Hi all,
for what it's worth: The well-respected German magazine Stereo, in its January 2011 edition, ran a review of the AA Tube Dac-II, and compared to its reference DAc, MBL's 1511F. They found the AA overall on the same level, writing the MBL had a touch more colour and weight in the middle, whereas the AA was a touch more open and dynamic.
Regards,
Florian Hassel
The well-respected German magazine Stereo, in its January 2011 edition, ran a review of the AA Tube Dac-II, and compared to its reference DAc, MBL's 1511F.

I believe none of them is state of the art anymore.