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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'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?
branimir
236 posts
 
In two weeks time I will have Esoteric D-01/P-01/G-0s combo for audition. If this combo will be better then my Weiss combo it will stay in my system.
Interesting thing-Esoteric just introduced P-03Universal transport in Japan(USA & Europe late summer 2006). It plays CD/DVD-A/DVD-V and SACD, also it has HDMI. So, now you have a choice to choose with Esoteric D-03 dac, either P-03(CD/SACD) or P-03Universal transports...
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Fcrowder, I have tried G0S on standard X-01. I found its effect to be negligible in most situations. In most cases I could not even detect when it was activated/deactivated during a blind test, that is the clock was turned on/off randomly without me meing told of thechange.
fcrowder
191 posts
 
As I said above, the effect is subtle, at least ubtil you remove it from the chain. For me the difference is audible and with the X0-1 LE seems to move the unit a step closer to analogue without sacrificing any of the unit's strengths. Whether or not the improvement is worth the very high asking price is another question. I have not made the decision yet whether to buy the unit but am leaning in that direction. YMMV.
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