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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
 
Teajay, as far as I know Accustic Arts DAC-1 Mk4 is allready available here in Europe. I will be in Munich this week at High end show so I will see many new digital pieces... Of course, I will arrange audition of new Accustic Arts DAC and Drive 1 transport. Only thing-I need balanced version because both of my systems sound better in that mode(Krell gear sound very best in CAST mode IMO, BTW)... If you need more info just email me.
One other thing-IMO Accustic Arts should change name to something else rather then DAC-1 Mk4 because new DAC is pretty different internally then Mk3 version. Also Mk3 version is NOT possible to upgrade to Mk4 status...
henryhk
648 posts
 
Do you guys know about the new Signature version of EMM gear? I have the "old, regular" CDSD/DCC2 and know one can upgrade to the "e' versions....but just saw on positive feedback David Robinson mini-reviewing a new eSignature" version....he doesn't go into detail what is actually chged that much but praises the sound quality diff. I contacted my sales rep in HK, as I already was planning to upgrade to e and asked him about it but he didn't know: he is gonna check w/ Ed and come back to me: not sure you can upgrade or whether one actually has to buy....
teajay OP
1,691 posts
 
Branimir, the new MK4 offers both single-ended and balanced connections, so it will match up with your system quite easily. Well, as far as a name change, what can I say, the MK4 is not an upgrade of the MK3 as you said, but a totally different design, so I guess the Accustic Art's people thought calling it the MK4 was a good enough name change. I'm really enjoying its performance in my system, and its getting even better as it breaks in.

Henryhk, I believe you can upgrade your EMM LABS gear to the new ES level. Here's the phone number for EMM LABS so you can check directly with them: 503-221-0463.
kops's avatar
kops
478 posts
 
Any news about the new Krell Evo 505?
branimir
236 posts
 
George, Krell Evolution 505 is wonderfull player. Its performance, specially in CAST mode in truly amazing. This player has powerfull sound with warm treble and excellent midrange articulation. It is at the same level as Weiss combo! And this was a very big suprise for me! Its price/performance ratio is excellent and truly hard to beat in all Krell(CAST) system. Still, Evolution 505 is closer in sound signature to ARC REF CD7 then to Weiss or Esoteric combo... This means that its sound is warmer then average #1 flavor digital source. But, with XLRs you can get up to 90% of performance-comparing to CAST mode and you will loose another 10% with RCAs. Build quality is very good(same level of quality as ARC REF CD7) but, not at Esoteric level.
End conclusion-excellent new player from Krell, very hard to beat in Krell all CAST system. In non-Krell system results will vary. Performance level of Krell Evolution 505 is the same as Audio Research Reference CD7. Indeed very nice machine and in bass reproduction at the true reference level. Hope this will help-more next month...
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