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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
 
I've always said that I'm not interested in owning a great stereo; I really don't like how stereos sound. I'm interested in experiencing real music in my listening room.
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I tried using an old MSB DAC with the Accustic Arts Drive 1 that I still have on loan. I defeated the upsampling and the various filters that came as options on the DAC. The sound was a little thin, a little bright, and a little aggressive; but it was refreshingly 'unprocessed'. It had a rightness and an immediacy to it. The air on the soundstage was clean and well-lit. The walls of the recording venue would light up as sound bounced off them and echoed around.

The pairing of the AA Drive 1 and AA DAC1 mk3 was certainly smoother, fuller and more sophisticated. The Drive 1 and the EMM DCC2 were downright boring. It should be noted that both upsampling DACs came across as somewhat 'processed' and 'unnatural' in comparison with the MSB in non-upsampling mode. They reminded me of the kind of sound you sometimes get when a manufacturer 'softens' a solid state amp to make it sound more like a tube amp; it's just unsatisfying.

This experience has me seriously looking into non-upsampling DACs. They sounded good to me in theory but now I can say that they also sound, not necessarily good (just yet), but 'right,' in practice.
exlibris
438 posts
 
For what it's worth, I've started a
"Reference Transports: An overall perspective"
thread.
I had nothing constructive to say; I was just hoping to get the ball rolling.
teajay OP
1,655 posts
 
Exlibris, I always find your comments interesting and led me to more questions after reading them. 1) Did you have have the chance to audition the Audiomat reference Dac which does not upsample? 2) Did you audition the AA DAC1mk3 with the Sextet or did you have to return it before you got the Stealth cable? 3) If you liked the non-upsampling DAC would you attempt to audition DACS from Audio Note or Zanden?

My personnal experience has been that the non-upsampling DACS, in my system, did not sound as "musical" as the best upsampling gear. I had a ML-360s that was quite good but when I added a DCS Purcell and upsampled to 24/96 the performance was taken to another much higher level in all sonic aspects. When I auditioned a high level Audio Note it was ok, but not better then my reference at that time. My hunch, after getting to know your taste in sonics, is that you really like a type 2 flavor that sounds more like real music to your ears.
Finally, great idea posting a thread on the sonics of reference transports, hope theirs lots of discussion and sharing.
branimir
236 posts
 
Exlibris and Teajay, first-my Sextet Digital(AES/EBU) is on its way here... I will have it in two weeks time, more in one month... Second, very best non-upsampling digital gear is(or one of) ARC REF CD7(and CD3MkII is also non-upsampling). You both should try to audition it. I would even say that ARC REF CD7 is more enjoyable in some areas than my reference Weiss Medea/Jason combo. I currently have Accustic Arts DAC1Mk3(Balanced)/Drive1MkII combo on trail and I can say that Teajay's description of AA combo sonics was right on the spot. For the money it is excellent buy but, it is IMO not better then ARC CD REF7. And I have to say that Weiss combo is well, a lot better. But, since Weiss combo cost more than two times more it must be better! Anyway, in normal price range(read till $15K) Accustic Arts DAC1Mk3/Drive1MkII combo deserves highest respect. Other excellent contenders are ARC REF CD7,Esoteric X-01 and Audio Aero Prestige SACD.
Teajay, Accustic Arts combo is IMO worth extra price over also very good Accustic Arts Player1MkII!
exlibris
438 posts
 
Teajay,
I'll try and answer your 3 questions:
1) Did you have have the chance to audition the Audiomat reference Dac which does not upsample?
Not yet, but I will try and get that one in.

2) Did you audition the AA DAC1mk3 with the Sextet or did you have to return it before you got the Stealth cable?
The latter; but I will be sure to do so before moving in another direction.

3) If you liked the non-upsampling DAC would you attempt to audition DACS from Audio Note or Zanden?
I really want to hear the Zanden in my system but it is pretty much impossible to do so where I live. I'm so anxious to try it that I'm having a hard time not buying it without hearing it first (always a bad idea). If someone wanted to trade me a 5000 LE for my DCC2 I would probably go for it (another bad idea).
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