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.

mitch2

@no_regrets I thought of that at time I made post. Problem is I'm still in process of evaluating 006,  burning in dac along with adjusting my perspectives and perceptions will take some time. Also, I'd expect @mitch2  has his hands full with dacs already on hand, I could never attempt that large a task, two dacs is a handful for me. However, a loan could be a consideration somewhere down the road if I feel the need to provide 006 with more exposure.

 

Issue is Musetec really misses the boat on marketing their products. Look at what Laiv does with their Harmony dac, multiple youtube videos and professional reviews within months of release which leads to relatively large number of sales. Denafrips another brand that understands how to market to the west.

@mitch2 - Another great review, Mitch. Looking forward to your comparative thoughts on the Merason DAC1 Mkii next. 

What’s the problem with naming the USA DAC that presumably was in your system and cost 10 times the cost and underperformed the SMSL?///

Because I know the person who owns the company and don't want to hurt his business.

///Also, you made the general statement that they outperform 10x more expensive USA and UK DACS, so what are all of those other DACs that you presumably compared the SMSL and Gustard directly to? ///

Tried a stupidly expensive UK made DAC in my system found it very disappointed. that was owned by one of my associates.

///specifically how did they sound/perform better? ///

Clarity, huge sound stage, deep tight bass, bluetooth convenience, etc..

Looking forward to your comparative thoughts on the Merason DAC1 Mkii next. 

+1