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
There is no mystery, Melbguy1 was/is me! I changed my member name several weeks ago to Bodhi, but instead of updating my existing profile, Audiogon created a new profile. I understand the Web Developer is working on merging the two profiles, and by the sound of things it looks like that has been resolved. You have to love a conspiracy theory, lol!!
Cheers Charles, I thought I was about to get a call from Jesse Ventura :D I always hated Melbguy1..it sounds to much like a dodgy dating site handle, lol.
Bodhi,

Very elegant and well appreciated response. I am sure the Vitus is bringing you immense pleasure and I love your enthusiasm.

Adam has traded up to a fully internally balanced GG and is currently waiting on delivery, according to his post on another forum. The Lampi 211 amps are also balanced so the combo of the amps and the Dac with bal output PCM chip and dual mono DSD means that the digital is balance from source to speaker and add the differential summator to that and all digital noise is cancelled. The 211 amps are 85wpc with NO phase splitter so have SET SQ with push-pull type power. So far only Joe has this and he is in heaven, reportedly. he will move up from a B7 Bal to a GG Bal soon. I have not heard this combo yet.

Regarding DSD, its not just the 6K or so albums out there, but the ability to use a powerful computer and upconvert PCM to high rate DSD with HQ Player, especially if this is to your liking (it is for many).

We are just chatting though...not trying to convince you of anthing, as there are many roads to nirvana and you seem happily along the way. Kudos to you...

Are you Aussie?
08-04-15: Bodhi
There is no mystery, Melbguy1 was/is me! I changed my member name several weeks ago to Bodhi, but instead of updating my existing profile, Audiogon created a new profile. I understand the Web Developer is working on merging the two profiles, and by the sound of things it looks like that has been resolved. You have to love a conspiracy theory, lol!!

Melb as in Melbourne? I am still confused by the name change. Is this part of some rehab program?