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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
naseltzer
7 posts
 
I second the Chord Dave. It’s an amazing DAC and has a unique headphone output that will be a nice compliment to your WA33. Contrary to what one user said above, the DAVE doesn’t have a headphone amp. Rather, the DAC itself just has a very high output with a very nice volume attenuation. It wouldn’t replace your WA33 but it you may enjoy the change of pace. It's extraordinarily clean with amazing detail. 

Also, whoever told you to sell your WA33 amd get a Mytek Brooklyn should have their head examined. The Brooklyn is a decent (not spectacular) DAC but the headphone amp on it sucks. It is so ridiculously outclassed by your WA33 I’m actually laughing.

In general I would advise against taking these people’s advise, as many of them have no idea what they’re talking about. My advise is get a plane ticket and go visit a city with some real hifi stores. Personally I think the DAVE sounds like what you’re looking for tho. That MSB analog also sounds nice. Also, I wouldn’t make my decision based solely on MQA support, as Mytek fanboys do.
notubesforyou
8 posts
 
Hi again

Keep in mind you are selling a specific product and I am not.

Your statement that the Nyquist doesn’t include a FGPA architecture is somewhat misleading. FGPA provides for software upgrades only and not hardware. As PS Audio have found out after many software upgrades, there is only so far you can go with manipulating software and as a result PS Audio are now working on a 2 Box solution that will upgrade the hardware.

The  Brinkmann Nyquist also includes two completely separate DAC’s ...one for PCM and another for DSD and both are upgradable. Most of the major advances in Digital these days appears to be related to reducing inherent noise created by the incoming AC and the DAC itself.....improved Power Supplies and filtering etc. Herr Brinkman is recognized as fanatical when it comes to quality, noise reduction etc. And even spends time daily listening to the impact of the smallest items, like what kind of screw to use use in a particular application. I have not heard the Lumin so I cannot comment on its ultimate strengths.

However when Robert Harley and other credible reviewers say that for the first time we have a DAC that approach’s the warmth of vinyl, then I think it bares listening to. 

Also the Brinkmann Nyquist has a novel headphone approach that is also receiving rave reviews. 

Thanks 
ptss
1,964 posts
 
Oppo 205. Sell your 105 for a profit. 
audiotroy's avatar
audiotroy
3,856 posts
 
Notubes there are a ton of dacs that offer the wamth of vinyl.

The Aquahifi line of dacs do, so does Metrum, Audio Note and many other dacs that are voiced musically.

The Nquist is a lovely dac and we are not saying either one of these dacs is better than the other.

Lumins products are also modular with separate power supplies as well as separate analog and dac boards, if Lumin chooses to their entire product can be upgraded easily.

We sell alot of dacs, lumin, Emm, Light Harmonic, NAIM, Mytek, T plus A, Aurender, Nad, M2 Tech, Cary Audio, and a few others.

Lumin makes an outstanding product that offers outstanding sound quality.

The Nquist is a very good product is it $5k better than the Lumin X1 or is it better at all that is the question.

Considering the X1 just lunched you will have to see one thing Lumin has is outstanding engineering that a division of a fortune 500 company can amply supply. 

Check Lumins track record every streamer they have built has received rave reviews and at the time of launch was rated as being one of the best sonding devices at their price point.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ

naseltzer
7 posts
 
The plural of DAC is DACs. The plural of CD is CDs. Everyone please stop the apostrophe abuse. 
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