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The big DAC decision

One of the challenges of building an audio system is trying to make sure that all of the individual components of that system have equivalent and compatible technical specifications. For example, it doesn’t make sense to purchase speakers that are capable of producing sound in the 5Hz to 20kHz range if your amp is only capable of sending audio signals in the 30Hz to 15kHz range to these speakers. Unless, of course, you hope to upgrade your audio system such that it can properly drive these speakers someday.

In my desire to build an audio system that has the proper balance of individual component capabilities I’ve found myself struggling over the choice of a DAC. Basic technical specifications aren’t necessarily applicable here. The foundation of my system is a Woo Audio WA-33 headphone amp and Focal Utopia headphones. My music files consist of standard CD 16bit/44kHz resolution to Hi-Res DSD files. What I’m struggling with is choosing a DAC that would allow me to get the most out of this amp and headphone pairing. From the research I’ve done so far it is clear that the $23k Meridian Audio Ultra DAC would bring out the best of any system it is connected to. But does it make sense to purchase a DAC of this quality (and price) for my humble headphone system? Or would it be more appropriate to get the Chord DAVE (setting the MQA format compatibility issue aside for this discussion)? I’m currently using an Oppo 105D as my DAC and the music sounds pretty decent, but I know my system can sound better.

So I was hoping to get some input from fellow audio enthusiasts out there to make what may be the most important decision of my system build. I’m also looking at getting a PS Audio DirectStream Power Plant 12 to power this system. Anyone out there have any suggestions or thoughts on this issue?


slvrsrfr
stickman451
553 posts
 
Buy a MSB Analog DAC.  Recently MSB has discontinued the Analog DAC so you may have to pick up a used one.  I have heard, auditioned, and researched many DACs in the last five or six years and I haven’t found one that plays music as “beautifully” as this DAC.  

Recently MSB released the modular Renderer card/module for the Analog DAC and it’s excellent.  It’s a Ethernet module that connects you to web streaming services (ie TIDAL) and you can run ROON too.  

The Analog DAC is current even though it was initially released six or seven years ago and it can play just about any file format/sampling combination you’ll find.  


erik_squires
16,345 posts
 
Sorry I haven't had a chance to compare any more. I spent about six months listening to DAC's in person. Ordered the Mytek after I bought an ARC DAC 8 and could not be happier. :)
I will say I have tried it as a preamp, and it's pretty exceptional. I used a Parasound P7 only for the HT connectivity I needed. I'm now in the process of going back to a 2.1 channel setup with the Brooklyn as the pre.

Best,
E
slvrsrfr OP
12 posts
 
I agree with you bigkidz.  After all, a sound system can only be as good as its weakest link.  As a consequence, from a cost to benefit point of view, you want your individual system components to operate within similar technical specifications.  But, at the same time, you really need an optimal analog signal to achieve the best sound your amp and speakers can hope to produce; regardless of whether the source is from a phonograph, tape, or digital file.

As an aside, I get the impression that some of the responders to my question have never listened to any of today’s state-of-the-art headphones.  I’ll just say you don’t know what you’re missing.
craigl59
307 posts
 
Check out the RME ADI-2 DAC.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,010 posts
 
Lots of very very capable and revealing cans out there - very worthy of fantastic front ends

i use a set of Stax in my mobile recording and edit work and benefit greatly with both excellent Wadia and Ayre A to D and D to A converters.

there are a ton of great DAcs out there above $3k is, including the MSB mentioned
my list would also include ARC, Berkeley, Aesthetix, DCS, Lampizator, etc....

have fun
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