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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 was surprised as well!
I contributed to that thread when I was using the DCC2 with the SACD 1000. The AES/EBU connection was clearly better with that set-up.
With the DCC2 and CDSD, the AES/EBU - BNC connection was inferior in every way. It had an especially detrimental effect on the soundstaging. Image placement became smeared and somewhat incoherent.
I do think that the EMM combo can be a little cold and bright but, in my opinion, it would be much better to get added warmth by changing things downstream; not between the transport and DAC.
teajay OP
1,702 posts
 
Exlibris, I'm very happy for you that you finally got the "sound" you were searching for in your digital front end.

My only concern, not your comments Exlibris, is that the most recent tone of some of the comments are heading towards whats the "BEST" digital gear in the world. My point in starting this thread was to share information regarding the different flavors of many wonderful sounding DACS, not to prove which digital gear is better then anything else. I admire the Meitner gear, but its one of the best flavors out there, but not the best digital front end in the world.

These thread has been great fun and educational at the same time, so I hope it doesnot turn into or end as debate over the "BEST" in the world as many threads end up being.
branimir
236 posts
 
Teajay, I agree with you! There is no "THE BEST" digital gear in the world! EMMLabs gear is ONE of the leaders currently on the market but, there are many others that are at least in the same class... Best offers from Esoteric,dCS and Weiss are more or less in the same class as Meitner gear... System synergy(I am getting little bit boring here, I am affraid...) and personal preferences are and will be the final judge in our choice. Meitner gear is excellent but, whole class better then anything else??
At least try to keep an open mind... I will have a Meitner duo in one month time and if it will better my Weiss Medea/Jason combo I will say that and write that here!
exlibris
438 posts
 
Teajay,
I'm certainly in no position to say what's best since I've only heard a few of the top-end offerings. Even if I had heard everything I would probably only be able to say 'what's best for me.'

What I will stick to at this point, however, is to say that *with my equipment*, the EMM comes across (to me and everyone who has heard it) as simply better than everything else. I must insist that this is NOT a matter of flavour. Truth be told, I am not particularly fond of the flavour of the EMM; it is a little too category #1 for my tastes. I much prefer the flavour of the Accustic Arts combo.
Why then, didn't I buy the Accustic Arts?
-Because I believe that there is a -fundamental- difference between the EMM and the Accustic Arts.
fcrowder
191 posts
 
Last night I was able to audition the G(0) clock with an X0-1 Limited Edition. Hard to put into words what the clock does. The effect is clearly audible but does not jump out at you. It is initially subtle but the longer that you listen, the harder it is to disconnect the clock. If anything it makes the unit more musically natural. The transparency does not increase noticeably, it stages a little better but mostly it becomes easier to listen for extended periods, for want of a better description, more analogue. I can only imagine that with a separate transport/DAC, the effects might be even more pronounced. Has anyone compared the G(0) with Esoteric's less expensive clocks?
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