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Next best exponential DAC quality level?

I recently did a shoot out of three DACs using my Hint6 + routing each of the other DACs to analog input on the Hint6:

(1) Hint6: ESS Sabre32 -- Integrated 

(2) SMSL M500: ES9038PRO D/A   ~$400 

(3) Khadas ToneBoard(v1): ESS ES9038Q2M - ~$99

I played the same song passages on Amazon Music and was able to cycle through each Hint6 input corresponding to each DAC.

The result?  Very small difference in terms of rendering.  Maybe a more open sound stage with better overall balance using the Hint6 DAC.  The Khadas was more bass / midrange pronounced w/ a more narrow soundstage.  However, I wouldn't suggest that any were head-and-shoulders "better" over the others.  In fact, they were all pretty decent with only small nuances (certainly not worth the price differences.   

I decided to keep the Khadas for my small headphone listening area. 

But it got me thinking - how much would one have to spend to realize an exponential difference in quality?  Is the Khadas that good, or is DAC technology differences more nuanced than I originally thought (meaning, we're paying 10x for only 5% better).  

 

128x128martinman
martinman's avatar
martinman OP
93 posts
 

@soix - I 100% agree that source content matters, but do you hear a difference between Qobuz 24/192 and AmazonHD 24/192?  (Legit question)

 

@fuzztone - I don't have another choice for streaming (well, maybe an iphone, but that's probably not the direction you were going).  What should I be using? 

 

BTW, I agree that local / ripped content is the best setup and ultimately minimizes the complexity.  But these days, music catalog selection and convenience win...  problem is:  I can't quite quantify what I'm loosing out on!   

bigkidz
3,381 posts
 

If you are in the NYC area please feel free to bring your DAC over to are listening room to see if you can hear a difference compared to a DHT based tubed DAC any time.

 

Happy Listening.

soix
9,456 posts
 

Anyway, my assumption going into this test was that a 24/192 source is good enough - no matter if it's AmazonHD or Qobuz... amirite?

Well, if memory serves that’s not what Steve found.  I kinda doubt Amazon is delivering 100% HD, but it’s free to try Qobuz so why not just see for yourself?

jasonbourne52's avatar
jasonbourne52
2,863 posts
 

A DAC with a tube output is like putting maple or chocolate syrup on a vanilla ice cream cone! Euphonic yes, accurate no!

arafiq's avatar
arafiq
1,661 posts
 

I currently have access to four DACs in my home -- I own 3 and have the fourth one as a loaner courtesy of a wonderful friend.

DAC 1 -- Bluesound Node 2i (owned for more about 2 years)

DAC 2 -- Audio Mirror Tubadour III (non-SE version; owned for 1.5 years)

DAC 3 -- Luxman DA-06 (owned for 1.5 years)

DAC 4 -- T+A DAC 200 (loaner)

Please don’t listen to anyone who says there’s no difference in sound quality. There is absolutely a vast difference between DACs at different price points. The higher end DACs give you a wider soundstage, more air around instruments, better tone and timber, and most importantly a significantly darker background (compared to lower priced DACs) that results in a more detailed resolution. The better DACs also provide a sense of ease where the music just flows like liquid.

The problem is that most of the ’it all sounds the same’ crowd is too busy reading graphs and charts, and never bother to actually listen to some of the better DACs in the market. I can tell you that the differences I mentioned are not subtle at all. You will immediately hear the differences provided the rest of your gear is up to the task.

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