Different R2R DACs
Several months ago, I bought a used Hono Spring Level 2 DAC to see how R2R would compare against my Mytek Brooklyn DAC+. I like the Brooklyn+ a lot, but, given the other components in my system, I'm thinking about building in a bit more warmth (without losing significant detail). I'm not looking for sweetness or holography. Unfortunately, I was thoroughly unimpressed by the way the Holo Spring Level 2 smeared the music. I returned it within two weeks. Perhaps the unit I bought was defective (though I bought it from a highly reputable seller of used equipment), but it started me wondering how much of the hype surrounding the newer generation of R2R DACs was just that, hype. However, I keep seeing so many glowing reviews of reasonably priced R2R DACS from Denafrips, Aqua, Lampizator and others. So I'm wondering whether I should give them another try. Unfortunately, where I live the only real (suboptimal) option is to audition by purchasing one DAC at a time. Before I start down that road again, I thought I would ask the collective brain of Audiogon about how much of a difference I might expect, as against the Holo Spring level 2, from a new Denafrips Pontus II or used Terminator II, a used Aqua La Voce or Lampizator, or some other R2R DAC under $5K. I don't require require resolutions greater than 24/192 (beyond which I discern no difference). I do like the option of MQA decoding, but it's not a deal breaker.
The rest of my system (source components aside), at present, include a Parasound JC2 BP preamp, a pair of VTV Purifi mono amps, and Harbeth C7ES-3 speakers.
I never buy by technology. It is always in the implementation. I read only reviews of how equipments sounds in itself and within the context how it sounds given upstream and downstream components.
Have a look for a used Audio Research DAC 8. It is highly detailed and musical with nice midrange bloom and excellent detailed bass. Also t true piece of audiophile equipment. |
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Consider reinforcing the bottom octaves with a sub instead of trying out DACs. The Harbeths seem to have a very linear on-axis response in the midrange and treble, but it starts to roll off fairly early - 100 Hz according to this link. That might balance out the sound and get you the warmth you seek. |
There are dozens and dozens of R2R DACs available with significant varying performance levels ( Poor to sublime) amongst them. It is not clear to me how a specific encounter with a single R2R DAC can establish such a broad brush conclusion.
What about the very important analogue output stage, I/V conversion and power supply quality that very likely are more influential on the sound quality of a given DAC. There seems to be substantial extrapolation occurring here. This applies to delta sigma designs as well, vast differences within this group. Charles |
