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My big DAC dilemma

It seems to be a question between musicality vs. detail, transparency and dynamic range.
And the audiophiles and reviewers always will always choose the latter. But I'm a music lover and I want both:)

Here are two interesting examples (if we can trust the reviewers) NuPrime DAC-9 vs. NuPrime DAC DAC-10H and MHDT Stockholm v2. vs. MHDT Pagoda. The more expensive ones has more transparency and dynamic range than the cheaper ones, which has more musicality. So, obviously it's detail, transparency and dynamic range that is the most important. Or...?
Is it music or is it sound we are listening to?
Are there any good compromises (without having to rob a bank)?

When I bought my current DAC, Hegel HD12, I compared it to M2Tech Young and Rega DAC-R. I picked the Hegel because the Rega sounded dull and woolly and M2Tech sounded like it highlighted things in the soundstage that wasn't meant be so emphasized. Like increasing the brightness on your TV set so you can see everything that's hidden in the shadows.

It's this Hegel HD12 I want to replace because in my current setup the Hegel HD12 sounds a little bit veiled and lacking detail.

Anyone having experience with LAB12 DAC1 SE?


And yes, English is not my native language!

simna
mahler123
3,362 posts
 
Budget, features, and availability in your part of the world become important features.  Remember, if it should need any servicing, shipping to and from other Continents can be a problem
toetapaudio
474 posts
 
@simna, if £9k is possible, then I suggest without doubt the Mola Mola dac. I can give you more info. if you require.
melm
1,082 posts
 
I understand what you mean by  detail, transparency and dynamic range.*

But what exactly do YOU mean by "musicality?"  And why don't you think reviewers and audiophiles cherish something THEY call "musicality?"

*Too much dynamic range can be a problem when reproducing music, especially classical music, in a home.  But IMO that appears to be a problem with the software, given adequate hardware,
simna OP
165 posts
 

@ toetapaudio

I'm looking for a DAC in the price range of £1500-2000:)


@ melm

Musicality for me is e.g. when my foot starts thumping and I get goosebumps. It's when the timing is right so you really feel how the bass drum holds back while the snare drum drives the music.

Reviewers has, in the cases I've seen, when compared DAC:s they always choose the one that has the best detail, transparency and dynamic range over the ones having better musicality.
Maybe they cherish musicality, but not over detail, transparency and dynamic range.

mstrauss58's avatar
mstrauss58
30 posts
 
Peachtree Audio Dac itX. Don’t be fooled by it’s extremely reasonable cost (about $500). This dac performs WAAAY beyond  its price point. You wanna talk about musicality? Oh yeah in spades. You’ll be grinning like a fool. And excellent build quality, great looking, and a (real) 2 year warranty. Along w a company of fine people(shoutout to Russ)who are sincerely  dedicated to quality audio & their customers. Gets my HIGHEST RECCO. 
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