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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
dazzdax
599 posts
 
Hi TJ, although this is a bit off topic, I would like to address to the Attraction DAC, designed by Charles Altmann (www.altman.haan.de/). This is one weird DAC (in terms of cosmetics), but it could be the giant killer among the lower priced (and certainly not $$$ reference) DACs. Have any of you heard this DAC btw.?
PS: I always thought the Audio Note DAC 5 Signature is the king among the referece DACs, followed by de Boulder reference DAC, or am I wrong?

Chris
teajay OP
1,655 posts
 
To address both Sgr's and Chris's questions. First, the retail price of the Accustic Arts DAC 1 MK4 is $7000.00, and I believe for XLR (balanced connections) add another $500.00. If you want information regarding your nearest dealer contact Brain Ackerman of Artistic Audio, he's a great gentleman and very knowledgable, because he's the North American importer of Accustic Arts gear. By the way, Accustic Arts is also coming out with a new reference transport, but that won't be available untill later this fall.

Chris, I never heard of the the Attraction DAC that you asked about, so I can't address its merits one way or the other. If, you have auditioned it , it would be great if you would share your opinion with us of what you think of it. As, far as the Audio Note DAC 5 or the Boulder reference DAC, they are just two of the many different reference DACS that have been discussed and analyzed on this thread. A major aspect to this thread is that their is not "ONE BEST" DAC in the world, but many great digital front ends that offer different flavors and perspectives to the listener. So, personnal taste and system synergy are the final factors to selecting the DAC for any individual system. So, yes, your "wrong" Chris, just kidding, however the overall viewpoint is that their are many great sounding pieces, not just "ONE" thats the best compared to all others on the reference level.
kops's avatar
kops
478 posts
 
Has anyone heard the Gryphon Mikado cdplayer, it is in the price range og Esoteric X01. Is it upgraded?
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
I have heard the Mikado. A very good player, if a little bit costly. The build quality makes up for it though. It is def #1 flavor, like most of the Gryphon offerings.
teajay OP
1,655 posts
 
Well, to all my friends on this post, I have just spent the last 8 hours listening to the new Accustic Arts DAC-1 MK4 in my home rig. In one word, it sounds, glorious!

I have posted a review on the MK4 which will provide some of the details of why I believe the Accustic Arts designer's have a great new entry that many of you would want to put on your audition list. I'm not even sure its broken in yet, but it's my new reference already, bettering it's older sibling significantly!

By the way, I was wrong about the MK4's sampling rate, it's not 60/1084 but 66/1536.

If you read my succient review and want more information please let me know on this thread or on the review post. Now back to the pleasure of Kenny Burrell's Midnight Blue.
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