Accuphase dac 60

@jjss49 

Why would I take, supposedly the best connection, a balanced xlr connection & switch it to a rca connection? Just to compare the two at a more consistent voltage output? I am using kimber hero xlr cables, not that it matters. I thought anytime you can use xlr connection, you should?

 I don’t like everything loud, in fact the opposite. Just once in awhile. I usually listen at more lower normal casual listening levels. The ps audio just has better midrange, treble and bass at lower levels. In fact to compare at lower volumes, I had to use the comp button on the e380 and dac 60 to boost the bass/ loudness at lower volumes and then shut it off at higher volumes. That is the closest I could get them to match.

maybe I indeed just got a faulty dac 60 card. I mean it is possible. IDK…, but something is just not correct with this dac 60 card and I would except something a lot better than that from accuphase. I’m starting to think that there is something wrong with the card.

 I think the biggest difference now is the bass at any volume level and the rel sub felt non existent with the dac 60 at lower levels.   Just odd….

@duketbrd88 

Keep an eye on this thread about DAC recommendation! 
 

@lalitk 

Thank you, appreciate it!

Way better bass, midrange and treble.

That's can't be true, its only illusion cause  PS DAC plays way more louder at the same volume level. As I said earlier, if you match the volume level I'm sure Accu. DAC 60 will wipe the floor with PS audio DAC.  

Would you have any ideas for a good dac around $1500 that would compare to the dac 60 card and be good with a bluesound node streamer, when I get one? 

If you can starch your budget I would look at the Holo Audio Spring DAC. It's R2R DAC measures very well and sounds amazing. For a bit less money the Denafrips Pontus II is also a great DAC.  And finally for roughly 750$ the Denafrips Ares II would be my last choice. 

I have had a similar experience to you and can make an informed recommendation for a potentially good DAC to try. I have a Luxman L-550axii amplifier which is quite warm, smooth and refined like your Accuphase. I also use a Bluesound NODE as source, just like you are planning. I found a good DAC with synergy to be the Chord Qutest which cost me about £800 in the UK. It is very good at excavating detail which balances out the smoothness of the amp. I find USB to be to clinical for my taste and prefer to feed it with an optical cable because that sounds more organic to my ears and has the benefit of preventing any electrical noise from entering the DAC. It doesn't have balanced connectors though, only single ended. The Qutest has three gain settings to choose from; 1v, 2v and 3v, the higher the voltage the fuller and more impactful it sounds, I use it on 3v. It's a bit quirky to use but full of character and they seem to hold their value.

PS - I found this website because I'm thinking about the E-380 as a potential upgrade so I have a bit of an ulterior motive in recommending the DAC I use. But I think it would be an option worth considering alongside the R2R DACs others are suggesting because I think those might be too smooth with that amp, too much of a good thing.