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Difference Between DAC Types

I’m curious if R2R ladder DACs and Delta-Sigma DACs are each better suited to certain types of music, i.e. vocals, amplified vs. non-amplified music, etc.

I’ve only owned Delta-Sigma DACs and have never heard an R2R ladder DAC. However based on reviews of some R2R products I’m considering moving in that direction but also understand there are inherent differences between the two DAC types. Not really looking for recommendations for specific DACs I should listen to of either type although that may be unavoidable to the discussion. I’m mostly intrigued by some of the online reviews for small company DACs like Border Patrol and Mhdt Labs where it’s said they can compete with much more expensive DACs.

My musical tastes are all over the board but maybe 50% rock (not hard) – folk - reggae etc. amplified music, the other made up mostly of acoustic folk, vocals, jazz and whatever else is in my library. I’d hate to move to R2R and find that female vocals are greatly improved, but at the expense of electric guitars, etc.

FWIW I’m running an AR pre, Pass amp, ATC speakers.

So, are there any distinct or unique characteristics inherent to R2R ladder DACs vs. Delta-Sigma DACs?


jaybe
desktopguy
367 posts
 
I got involved in early digital ~1985 and found the sound truly hateful (from a good CD player of that day) vs any vinyl or even good FM. I started getting DACs in ~12 yrs ago as part of a big desktop system. Had 2-3 delta-sigma DACs and found the sound (regardless of make/model) to be relatively artificial, tipped up in frequency, and soul-less. Then 3 years ago I got a mid-priced NOS DAC (by Audio GD), which changed everything, just everything. Mind you, this is not even well-reviewed or much liked in the headphone/desktop audio world, but it sure did the trick for me. For the first time in 30 yrs of digital, I could relax and forget I was hearing digital (thanks to more natural, organic tonality, real-sounding transients, "wetter" acoustic, and more natural bass). Shortly thereafter I got Audio GD's R2R DAC, the DAC-19, which I used in a side system...I also like that sound a lot.

I'm on the verge of finally upgrading to a better R2R or (even better) NOS DAC. I know there are better designs out there, so will soon have a new toy (new or used, that is).
nitewulf
422 posts
 
Any good dac is suitable for all types of music. If a dac doesn't sound good with particular genres of music, then its not a good dac. NOS R2R dacs sound different than Delta Sigma dacs but that's more of a preference issue than anything else.
deetch's avatar
deetch
12 posts
 
Another vote for Holo audio Spring Dac. R2R ladder in NOS mode-heaven, or DSD, or several oversampling modes-your choice. I have found different sources or recordings benefit from the different modes. I opted for the “Kitsune” tuned version and couldn’t be happier!
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
Another vote for Holo audio Spring Dac. R2R ladder in NOS mode-heaven
From me too, and that was the level 2 I heard, NOS mode richer mids  tighter extension in the bass, and the highs were extended, delicate and had better harmonic decay than OS mode.

Cheers George 
handymann
383 posts
 
For years, I thought I had a problem with my Casablanca III. Sometimes my CD’s would not play the first word or note of a song. I auditioned the DEXQ unit and was surprised to learn it wasn’t my dac, but my CD player. I have a Kora Hermès II and when using it, I have no problem with digital lock. All my CDs play as they should. Sonically, the units are comparable, with the Kora unit sounding a bit warmer. The main story is-no more missing the first note. It’s a win win situation.  BTW using  a Theta Miles Transport
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