DAC comparison

@backdoor  If your decision was solely around the Yggdrasil, I'd suggest upgrading from it. There are many options that deliver what the Yggdrasil does well AND also give you more. In some cases, much more. For reference regarding what I just wrote, my preference coalesces around naturalism, realism, and emotional connectivity.

The DAC 8 is a 'different' choice. Analogous (though not entirely) to someone choosing 'vintage' components over modern ones. As others have pointed out, listening to it within the context of your system and goals is important. 

My point being, were it me, I'd be comfortable upgrading from the Yggdrasil without an in home audition TO: current well reviewed / owner feedback DACs. However, if the choice was the DAC 8, I would want it in my system first...before making a decision.

FWIW, despite the Yggdrasil being the 'superior' DAC, it is the ARC DAC 7 that remains memorable and special.

@david_ten

FWIW, despite the Yggdrasil being the ’superior’ DAC, it is the ARC DAC 7 that remains memorable and special.

An interesting dichotomy, the "superior" DAC is recalled as less special and memorable. I wonder what is the perceived sonic gap between the DAC7 (Tube) and DAC 8 (Transistor) ?

Charles

My error, DAC 7 is not tubed.

It's eerie how much my opinions/experience overlap @charles1dad 😎I use the same roughly 12 year old Dac and it sounds fantastic. I also heard the BP Dac in the same show system as Charles and loved the system overall. And I agree you can't condemn all older Dacs many are quite musical and revealing with Redbook. I cannot comment on ARC Dacs specifically however it sounds like others who've heard it don't recommend it very strongly never a great sign.

@charles1dad   Hi Charles. dCS (gen prior to Apex), which I seriously auditioned, is one such example. It is without doubt a top tier DAC technically; and for it's owners: also in performance. However, for my preferences, it fell short. Hopefully this clarifies my previous post.  Let me know?

I've been test driving cars. The Audi S5 and S6 are illustrative / representative of the same. Uber competent. Yet missing more than something [for me].  : )