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
Paul, now that I know you were talking about the Berkeley DAC, the answer is yes I auditioned it. I thought it was good, to me it was a type one DAC, and I still liked my AA Tube Hybrid much better and found it to be much more musical. Since all I really care about red book Cd's I still find this DAC terrific in my system. Now that I have added the Reference MBL transport to drive this DAC it even performs at a higher level.
Terry, the AA Tube DAC has been in your system quite a while, it must be something very special since I suspect you have been trying to find something to take that "next step" and the AA has held up against som tough competition. Seeing how your system has evolved, I would think you have it totally dialed in, in that fantastic room.
Hi Paul, your right on the mark regarding the enjoyment of my system. I have heard/auditioned about another four DACs and found them to good, maybe different then the AA DAC, but not more musical or overall more pleasing to my tastes.

Now that I have the reference MBL transport and after having much fun tube rolling in both the DAC and my preamp I really would agree that the system is really,"dialed in", and gives me great musical pleasure. I have finally settled on Mazda 12AX7 chrome plates/gray long plates in the AA DAC and Amperex 12AU7 long plate D getters in my preamp. This combination is just magic in my system. I wish you could come on over and just sit down and enjoy the music. Maybe one day, as you have an open invite anytime your in Chicago.
Digital has me wondering...and listening to records a lot.

1.0 16-bit is out (redbook)as pretty ordinary and no better than an LP. I say no better as most of my CD's are worse...rats.
2.0 24-bit has no real commercial support (FLAC is a common bootleg support it seems) but should.
3.0 Players (my oppo BDP-83SE) don't support FLAC, or a bunch of other 24-bit lossles files. They claim it is hardware, not firmware. The latest firmware update excludes stereo 24-bit formats except SACD.
4.0 Can you guys "make" SACD discs from FLAC files on a PC and THEN use them in your player?

I just don't like the idea of having all my music married to the wall outlet or a HD that fails. A hunk of something in my hand is what I want, I think. I really don't like the idea of turning on a PC every time I just want to sit down and relax to music. Stick the "blank" in a devise and walk away. Shoot, people hated records because they were a hassle. These DAC devices are way worse it seems.

But, 24-bit is where it is at for probably pretty killer sound and dynamic range, both. I'm just not sure where to start after 16-bit wave files on my OPPO...and what will REMAIN supported going forward in the commercial space, like BUY stuff already encoded on a disc, PROM or something.

For now digital other than CD and SACD isn't really supported. 24-bit is on a bootleg type of effort and a bunch of time on your PC, but not the commercial space that I can see. Blue ray seems the min for support as the file sizes are about 50MEG every 3-4 minutes of program material.

So, how is everyone handling 24-bit in light of such scarce support? For now I'm looking for records!