The most tonally correct DAC I know of is from LAiV.
Six DAC Comparison
I am in the middle of comparing the sound of six different DACs in my system. I own them all (I know weird) but one of them is still within a trial/return timeframe.
Not to share specific comparisons today, but a couple of observations so far are that first, they all definitely sound different from each other. On one hand, they all sound pretty good and play what is fed to them without significant flaws but on the other hand there are definite sonic differences that make it easy to understand how a person might like the sound of some of them while not liking others.
Second, raises the observation that most of them must be doing something to shape the sound in the manner the designer intended since one of the DACs, a Benchmark DAC3 HGA, was described by John Atkinson of Stereophile as providing "state-of-the-art measured performance." In the review, JA closed the measurements section by writing, "All I can say is "Wow!" I have also owned the Tambaqui (not in my current comparison), which also measured well ("The Mola Mola Tambaqui offers state-of-the-digital-art measured performance." - JA). The Benchmark reminds me sonically of the Tambaqui, both of which are excellent sounding DACs.
My point is that if the Benchmark is providing "state-of-the-art measured performance," then one could reasonably presume that the other five DACs, which sound different from the Benchmark, do not share similar ’state-of-the-art" measurements and are doing something to subtly or not so subtly alter the sound. Whether a person likes what they hear is a different issue.
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The Old Measured Performance as the Criteria to decide if the Design for a Model is to supply the ubiquitous end sound that all who hear cannot deny themselves from purchasing Years Spent taking the time to meet a large selection of Audio Enthusiasts. Ones Like Myself, as well as those who are EE Skilled, being very Capable of Building Audio Devices. Has shown to me, that a knowledge of how a Audio Device can be voiced for the end sound to be produced is the ultimate method to produce a Audio Device. When voicing is done correctly, the Designer / Builder will have the say on the end sound, in a commission build the end user can also contribute to the devices voicing. It is having this understanding of Schematic - Topology and the needs for the devices Structure, that really makes a Audio Device wanted to be heard more in use and most likely will for many become a Device that is a Keeper. The Measurements across many devices can be seen to be in the Ballpark of the Spec' that are usually looked at as being required. Skilled EE's see through the Published Spec' and can see where the complications with the Schematic is creating typical unattractive influences on the Signal being produced and having gain added. As said in a previous post, a DIY Built DAC costing not too much monies, has sat very comfortably in the Company of more expensive Branded Models. On one occasion the DIY was instrumental in encouraging the owner of one model of a Branded DAC to sell their DAC. On another occasion the new Purchased DAC that was a replacement for the sold DAC, was a increased in purchase Model from the same Brand. This new upgraded model was not able to compare favourably either with the DIY DAC. It was only when a FW Update was added that the Branded Model was to be much improved match for the DIY DAC. My subjective evaluation of the comparisons, especially following the most recent demo's of each in use, left me feeling either as SS Designs, either could be easily lived with in conjunction with my own commission built Valve Design DAC. Having the 'sat in front off experience', not assessing measurements, goes a very long way to assist with finding the place that one would be best represented when deciding to direct their monies at a purchase. |
@mitch2 Your review and your rules so have fun with the process. Many will get bogged down and debate your observations and thats okay. Glad you are moving forward with this as its been several years since a multi DAC comparison has been done! Thanks in advance. |
Thanks @norust - I am simply going to post what I hear from the DACs listed in my system. I have been here about 25 years so will not be surprised regardless of the comments, but I also know some here will appreciate my observations. All six of the DACs sound good in their own way and I have no doubt that each one of them would have their fans. That is going to be the hardest part, not to let my biases overly influence my comments so that they come off as judgements. I will try and factually describe what I hear but, yes, I am going to like some of them more than others. Some here seem to get wound up over which of something is the "best" when there are so many variables such as the room, partnering equipment, musical selections, and listening biases and preferences, that "best" becomes an individual choice. I cannot tell somebody else what is best for them. Each of these DACs have professional reviews (which I will link), except for the SMc Audio DAC, so I will try not to overly repeat what has already been written and would urge those who are interested in a certain DAC to read the reviews. |
Just scanned these comments and didn't see the obvious thought. The biggest influence on the sound of a DAC is the analog output circuit. After it converts, it's that small Amplifier that outputs your 2-6 Volt signal. My excellent dCS Bartok now sells for $22K due to a $9K price increase partially due to refinement in its analog output section. |
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