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DAC Dilemma

I will (probably foolishly) put my decision before you all and see if I get any informed opinions, or if I just get scoffed at. I have been at this hobby many years, but must admit to not having the sophistication that many of you do. To those of you that are DAC experts. I have read, and it is my understanding that DAC technology has progressed to the point that 1) new "entry level" DAC’s blow away earlier generation DACs that originally cost much more, and 2) the difference between most current DACs as far as sound quality is pretty subtle. I have an Aurender N100H (which is going to stay) with a PS Audio DirectStream DAC (Not the $6K version. The $3K version with no bridge) feeding into an Audio Research SP16 tubed preamp into a high end solid state amp. Should I 1) just keep what I have (yes, it sounds good, but it could always be better) 2) replace the PS Audio with an Audio Research DAC7 that is about 11 years old but very well reviewed in it’s day, or 3) sell the PS Audio and the Audio Research SP16 and replace both with a Benchmark DAC3 HGC. The Benchmark would give me a current Class A DAC along with multiple inputs for digital, and two inputs for both of my turntables, thus eliminating the need for a separate preamp. But, would the Benchmark SOUND better than either the PS Audio DAC or the DAC7? I am very much aware that the DAC's mentioned above address the actual digital to analogue conversion in very different ways which is precisely why I'm asking which one you think gives the best (natural, uncolored, transparent) sound. Opinions please.
128x128pascon
sns
3,003 posts
 
If you were open to other options on dac. Look at Holo May, likely best value high end dac with sound signature you're looking for.
secretguy
1,609 posts
 
The best move is often doing nothing.
secretguy
1,609 posts
 
Also, why is this in the Analog forum?
jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
The Directstream is nice dac, not the greatest resolving, but I'd stick with it vs. others you mention.



op should make sure, if he hasn't already, that his direct stream unit has the latest firmware download from ted smith, called 'sunlight'... provides substantially improved sense of resolution than the prior versions which overly smoothed the sound
pascon's avatar
pascon OP
17 posts
 
Here’s what I think I’ve learned about myself. If I’m reading the Forum, or a review, or audio related article that is in some way descriptive of sound quality, or if we were having a conversation about the same, I would tell you that I want my music to be as transparent as possible. No coloration. But, if I’m listening in an audio store, or at a friends listening party, or more significantly if I’m buying a component, I end up liking and wanting the euphoric, the “slightly warmer,  plusher-than-neutral” sound. Furthermore, I think that if I’m honest with myself and you, the reason I would tell you I want neutral transparency is because at some level I have the idea that’s what an audiophile is SUPPOSED to want. I’m probably being too honest and transparent for my own good here. LOL If you came to my house and I told you my system sounds awesome, you might say let me hear it. So, we’d listen, and you’d agree. Nice system. Sounds great. BUT, you might say, it’s a little warm. A little rolled off at the top end. Does that suddenly negate my declaration that it’s “awesome” and your agreement that it’s “great”? If it does, then neither one of us really know what we’re talking about, do we? No system is perfect. At least no system that I’ll ever be able to afford. So, if I prefer the warm side of perfection and you prefer the cooler, more transparent side of perfection, are you right and I’m wrong? I don’t think so. What I’ve realized is that I might tell you that I prefer music that passes through my ears to my brain, but the truth is I really prefer music that passes through my ears  to my heart. You all  weighing in on my original question about DAC's has kind of helped me to realize and admit that. Is there a question in there? Nope. Just thought I’d ramble for a bit. Thanks again for the input.
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