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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,

I am currently enjoying AA Tube-DAC II/Drive I Mk2 combo. Still, it is IMHO bettered in several sound aspects by my current digital reference Esoteric D-03/P-03U/G-0Rb combo.

In short Esoteric is better at bass depth, speed and articulation. Midrange on AA combo is more creamy but, I like more natural Esoteric presentation more(Piano for example sound faster and more real on Esoteric). AA highs are nicelly extended and sweet, no fatigue at all. Soundstage depth is not as good as on Esoteric. Here I have to say that both Esoteric and AA combos are world class here(for digital playback).

All in all IMHO AA combo although very, very good is not in the same class as Esoteric combo. But, to clarify my opinion AA combo is IMO better then ARC REF CD7 for example(in fact clearly better!) and it replaced ARC in my systems.

Since I am in process of changing speakers and electronics I need to reevaluate them after I put up my systems(in mid Februar)...
henryhk
648 posts
 
Brainmir,,,,have u tried the estoeric D-05? I beleive its noch below the D-o3 but so is its price. Referring to back to my question, I am trying to come up with a high quality but somewhat price reasonable DAC (about USD10,000 or below?) solution to improve the sooloos music server system in one my rooms which is just super fantastic for interactivey functionality and discovering long lost loves in my 3000 CD library. Chord DAC 64 is one possible me thinks as is Accustic Arts (perhaps the Tube DAC may be a bit over my self imposed budget not sure but the DAC4 shld be in the territory...and as I understand it so should Esoteric's D-05...hence the question....also like the idea re its ability to serve as master clock for an external source).
branimir
236 posts
 
Henry,

Esoteric D-05 is excellent DAC but, you will get most of its capabilities only with matching P-05 CD/SACD transport.

My advice is to look at Accustic Arts DAC I Mk4($7K) since TUBE-DAC II($10.5K) could be marginally outside you target price range.
I think that AA DAC I Mk4 is better then Chord DAC64. But, that is my personal opinion...
henryhk
648 posts
 
Thanks...I suspected the Esoteric was really designed with its transport in mind.
teajay OP
1,702 posts
 
Branimir, thanks for responding to my E-mail concerning your opinion regarding the AA Tube hybrid DAC. I have found, the details are on my review thread regarding this DAC, that I got a significant and dramatic improvement in the sonic performance across the board when I put in a pair of NOS Amperex 1950's Long plate tubes in the AA DAC.

So, my question is, have you listened to the AA DAC with its stock tubes to this point or tried some NOS replacements? I believe you might be somewhat surprised how much closer in performance the AA DAC might come to the performance level of the Eosteric D-03. I also believe you might like using NOS smooth plate Telefunkins, which to my ears, produced a very a "Eosteric Sound" when used in the AA DAC, that was alittle to much of a good thing with Macrodynamics and punch in my system, but you might found it just right in your system setup.
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