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Why do modern DACs over $1,000 sound different?

I was thinking of picking up the new Benchmark DAC2 HGC, the W4S DAC-2, or the Anedio D2. They all seem well engineered, spec out exceptionally well (beyond human hearing), jitter is negligible, and they use the most modern chip sets and techniques. All three sell direct and seem to put the emphasis on design and not athletics (so you’re not paying extra money for markups and audio jewelry). Do they or any well engineered DACs beyond this price range actually sound different in blind testing or is it more brand preference? I read reviews using adjectives such as “analytical”, “detailed”, “dry”, “forgiving”, “bright”, “neutral”, “transparent”, “emotion”, “dark”, “thin”, “disappears”, etc. I would think that they are either accurate or not, so can this really be? I would appreciate some informed comments as to what drives the sound of DACs and any recommendations. Thanks.
128x128cdj123
jimcrane
169 posts
 
A follow up question (or two) about jitter and how to reduce it.

After reading this thread, I have a question. I have a Sony cd changer that I use because of the convenience. It has an optical output. I am thinking about trying a DAC to learn if I can hear an improvement in. Am I right to read Steve's response as suggesting that I'd have to put a device between the changer and the DAC that would reduce the jitter? If so, what's that device? Or would I just be better off buying a cd player when I want to do some critical listening? TIA

Jim
cardiackid
63 posts
 
Steve N is right, but I want to share and support him in stating that the use of the W4S I2S input is a much better than the USB or bridge to S/PDIF.

I have enjoyed the W4S very much, but still found it lacking vs high-end vinyl until I put a CIA USB to I2S bridge between the Mac Mini and the W4S.

Holly Moley, 2D to 3D and all of a sudden I am listening to digital files one after the other. I bought the associated CIA power supply for the bridge and this eliminated the USB noise, solidified the 3D illusion (depth not only width), and I think improved the bass and timbre in some instances. I used a Harmonic Technology 1.4 HDMI cable. Also, the USB to the CIA is the W4S USB cable which was better than my previous Kimber USB cable.

Bottomline. I am grateful to Steve Stone for mentioning this I2S bridge approach for the W4S DAC-2 in a recent Absolute Sound. Fantastic.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
"Am I right to read Steve's response as suggesting that I'd have to put a device between the changer and the DAC that would reduce the jitter? If so, what's that device?"

Synchro-Mesh resampler/reclocker.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
cardiackid
63 posts
 
Steve,

I used there USB to I2s bridge and bought its independent power supply.

http://www.ciaudio.com/products/VDC5MKII
http://www.ciaudio.com/products/TransientMKII
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