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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
teajay OP
1,655 posts
 
I have just read another, about the third, superlative review regarding the non-upsampling Audiomat Maestro DAC that is made in France.

I know that Exlibris likes the sonics of non-upsampling DACS, so I was wondering if he or Branimir, who lives across the big pond, have ever heard this DAC and what their opinion is of its sonics. I also know that the importer for the US is located in Canada, were Exlibris lives.
exlibris
438 posts
 
I haven't had a chance to hear the new AA stuff in my system. Perhaps next week.

There used to be a store where I live that sold Audiomat gear but they have closed. It is interesting that they have tried the non-upsampling route.
henryhk
648 posts
 
I think Stereotimes has review of the Maestro
teajay OP
1,655 posts
 
I just want to share my experiences regarding auditioning the Accuphase DP-78 CDP. Years ago I had the reference Accuphase digital front end gear that was quite good in its time era, but had not listened to an Accuphase piece in many years. This piece had gotten very good reviews and so I was interested how it would compare with my own reference the Accustic Arts DAC1-MK2/DAC1-MK4 and many other digital front ends I have had the pleasure to listen to.

The system that I listened to the Accuphase DP-78 was a fine system, which had the following gear, Audio Research Ref 3, Plinius amp, Kubala-Sosna wires and Sonus Faber speakers. The other digital piece used in the audition was the Esoteric X-01 Limited, which I have heard before and have great respect for its overall sonic performance.

Well, I guess the Accuphase DP-78 is not my "sonic cup of tea", at best it had a nice euphonic perspective, but lacked details, had no slam, lacked extension both on the top and bottom. The Esoteric X-01 made the whole system come alive, but was still very musical/natural with details, slam, extension.

I could see if someone's system was overly bright/forward or if they were used to a hot/harsh digital sound that the DP-78 would be a blessing, however pleasing as we know does not equal accurate and musical. So, I would not give this piece a "thumbs up" as I would to many other digital pieces discussed on this thread.
guidocorona
4,298 posts
 
Teajay, your impressions of DP-78 match exactly my own on the older DP-77. Definitely sweet. . . but very euphonic. While I have commented elsewhere that the faithful reproduction of live music is a pipe dream at best, and that the best gear aims much more at hyperrealism than at pure realism, nevertheless, music reproduction attempts to capture or glorify the essence or 'soul' of a performance or of an instrument. Conversely, I found the sound of the Accuphase DP-77 to be a delightful yet arbitrary fantasy over what instruments do for living, almost slightly cartoonish in its glossy appearance.
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