2. digital
  3. 1126769860

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 folks, today I compared my Accuphase DC-91 DAC (a 14 year old design!) with the contemporary April Music Stello DA-220 DAC. I must say, although the Stello is a very good and musical DAC, that the old Accuphase is still no slouch. The Stello didn't crush the old DAC, which is fortunately for me. Therefore I don't have any reason to replace this old DAC with a contemporary one. Maybe I should compare the Accuphase with the Nagra, Metronome or Weiss, or... the Accustic Arts MK IV DAC.

Chris
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Chris, how do the DC-91 and the Stello differ sonically? And how are they alike?
dazzdax
599 posts
 
Guido: the Accuphase DC-91 sounds smooth in the treble, has plenty of "air" around the voices and instruments. It also has very good bass. It is a very natural sounding unit, that doesn't draw attention to itself at first listening. The Stello is also a very good unit, with a sound that has high density in tonal color, very smooth and dynamic. The presentation is slightly more forward. The accuphase has a bit "soft" presentation, while the stello is more "incisive". The differences are not very big but sufficient for me to draw the conclusion that even if the Accuphase might be old in terms of DAC design, it is by no means "outdated" in terms of sonics. In my opinion it is therefore at least controversial that more up to date DAC design and circuit topology also automatically mean improvements in sonics.

Chris
teajay OP
1,697 posts
 
Chris, I used to own an Accuphase DC-91 years ago and remember it's sonics with great pleasure. In its day it gave a much more "musical" and Less "etched/bright" presentation then many other digital gear in those days.

However, to compare it to the Stello, which best is ok and quite good for its retail cost, does not give you a true take on the current reference level DACS/CDPS today.

So, try some true current references ( Accustic Arts, Meitner, Esoteric, Wiess, Zanden, to name a few) and see if you then think there has no been a major evolution/improvement in the overall sonics of the current references compared to gear from a decade ago.
henryhk
648 posts
 
Kops...EMM Labs...the e version is an upgrade over the previous "standard"...but there is something new out called the Signature I believe. Jtinn, where are you?
More to discover