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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
branimir
236 posts
 
Rajko, comparison between Weiss combo, ARC REF7 and Esoteric DV50s was last night in my No.1 System with following results: To my suprise it was hard battle between ARC and Weiss. Weiss is more energetic, with more PRAT. ARC has more midrange presence and very sweet but, sky high extended treble. In bass ARC was close to Weiss(and Weiss is one of the best in that regard!) and was able to beat it in sheer musical pleasure. ARC has 300hours of listening and it will continue to improve but, allready it is the best #2 flavor machine that I heard so far. If the Esoteric D-01/P-01/G-0s combo is the best #1 flavor(Weiss combo close second) then ARC REF CD7 is very close to them in absolute music satisfaction! And, I am very glad that ARC didn't put 'REFERENCE' on CD7 for nothing. I used Esoteric DV50s just to see how will it compare with SACD/DVD-A against Weiss and ARC with RBCDs.
I will say that I need to do more comparison between formats for final conclusion. Esoteric DV50s is good player but, if you will listen only RBCDs there are better choices...
treemed67
6 posts
 
If you have a chance to compare DV50s with RBCDs to the other two even briefly, it would be very helpful for some of us who want one machine and SACD/DVD-a, but can't afford $15-20k players. I'm just curious if DVs is by great margin out in this comparison. Is there any other universal player in $5-8k price range that you think is better than DV50s?
exlibris
438 posts
 
Branimir,
You mentioned that the ARC CD7 was the best #2 sounding unit that you had heard so far. Would that include any of the following: Zanden; Audio Note; Audio Aero; or Reimyo?
Thanks as always.

One other poster to this thread was hoping that we could come up with names for #1 and #2 sound. HP's 'yin' and 'yang' are good. For what it's worth, in my own mind I've been using 'truth' and 'beauty'. I realize, however, that the terms are flawed in their narrowness.
exlibris
438 posts
 
Teajay,
I'm using the Acoustic Zen MC-squared digital cable with RCA connector. I know it isn't the best. I do, however, like it better than the Cardas digital cable that I'm using on my EMM gear (surprisingly, I'm not a fan of EMM's ST Glass cable in my set-up).
The AZ cable, the AA transport, and the AA DAC now have 53 hours on them.
I really think the combination could use a lot more break-in time. Right now the music is struggling to emerge from a dense fog.
teajay OP
1,721 posts
 
Exlibris, your experience so far is very similiar to what I heard, but I would describe it as being "closed in" before the DAC blossomed into giving its best performance. I used to use the Acoustic Zen cable and found it to be smooth and warm, but not giving great details or "air" around the players in a smaller sound stage. Its a good cable at its price range, but could some what get in the way of the performance of the AA gear. When I got my AA DAC I had a fully broke in transport and digital cable (Ensemble,Artistic Arts) which might have lead to a more positive experience in the first 40 hours, less fog as you would say, then your getting right now. Well, thanks for getting back on whats going on right now, and I expect that what you hear well be much more pleasing as time goes on with your home audition. The Acoustic Zen cable is good enough to let you know, after the needed burn in, if the sonics of the AA will float your sonic boat.
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