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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
exlibris
438 posts
 
Teajay,
I'll start by saying that the Absolute speaker wires made a much bigger difference in my system compared with the ICs. The difference between the Absolute speaker wire and the rest of the speaker wires in the AZ line-up is huge.
The ICs:
I started out with Cardas Golden Reference and then went to the AZ Silver Ref II. I found them to be more open and airy with a better sense of space and life. Things were, however, a little 'tipped up' and aggressive for my liking. I then tried out the Absolute and it was better in every sense when compared to the Silver Ref IIs. Everything just appeared to be 'more real'. The cable didn't seem to add anything or highlight anything. Images had more weight and density the air between them was well drawn. I was hesitant to spend 2.5 times more for the Absolutes so I decided to try the PAD Venustas. It provided a very 'substantive' soundstage; like the Cardas but more open and more delineated. No matter how much I liked it, however, it just didn't seem to get across the emotion in singers' voices the way the Silver Refs did. In the end I bought the Absolutes because they simply bettered all the other cables in every respect. Unlike the speaker cables, however, the difference was not 'night and day'.
My gut feeling is that I won't find speaker cables in this price range that I like better than the Absolutes but that there *may* be ICs around that offer better value than the Absolute. Having said this, I too have yet to discover any major (or minor) short-comings that concern me.
branimir
236 posts
 
'Digital' session at my dealer's was long and interesting one. But, keep in mind that my findings are based on dealer's system, not mine. First we listen to EMMLabs and it sounded clean,nicely balanced with very good PRAT. Highs were very extended but, bass were not deep as I expected(it was very tight). dCS sounded very similar to EMMLabs! dCS has more midrange presence(but, differences were very small) and could be even lighter in bass. Esoteric has excellent bass(better then EMMLabs and dCS) and PRAT. It is more energetic sounding then former two.
To my ears it bettered EMMLabs and dCS in every respect(to my big suprise!). Weiss is something like mixture of EMMLabs and Esoteric with extra 'power'. It has excellent bass(but, more 'digital' sounding then Esoteric) and is definitely more energetic sounding then EMMLabs and dCS.
If I had to choose one it will be Esoteric-highest price,best sound and build quality. Regarding build quality-Esoteric is first,Weiss very close second,dCS third and EMMLabs fourth.
All these combos are #1 flavor but, they are clearly different sounding(variations in #1 flavor group). I understand now clearly why some people find EMMLabs as the current leader in digital playback. I agree with them to some degree... Our personal preferences will allways lead us to our final choice.
All of them are excellent and they are current edge of the art in digital playback!
Rich, I will audition MBL 1531 cd player in my systems in one week time. Then I will report my findings.
exlibris
438 posts
 
Branimir,
Is it too early to say how the CD7 would fit into the mix?
branimir
236 posts
 
Exlibris, I feel it is little bit to early for final opinion on ARC REF CD7... I bought the unit but, until 500hours of playing(break-in) no long comments. It is #2 flavor and I allready like it very much.
teajay OP
1,655 posts
 
Branimir, as always thanks for sharing your experiences with us fellow GON members. Regarding your ranking of the digital gear in your dealers system, two qustions: 1) Do you think you will change your Jason/Medea front end to the Esoteric reference gear now that you believe it's a better #1 sonic presentation? 2) What did you think of the sonics of the Pass LabsX-350.5 amp? I know the demo was not in your system, but am curious what you think, regarding this amp, because I use the 350.5 in my system. I'll thank you in advance for your reply.
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