how good are the non os dacs?

Undertow did a very good job of describing what I hear as differences between the two... He said it better than I could have. NOS dacs have plenty of detail, but as he stated OS dacs produce a soundstage that seems more airy or larger in an artificial way...

hi dj:

i don't think much of it in its present state. it needs all silver wire and rcas removed. at that point i will have a better idea whether it is a good dac.

Hi Djwilbourn,

I have a Zanden 5000 Signature DAC (Non OS) and a Metronome C2A signature DAC (OS)

ok,so i have spent some time listening to a buddy's higher end system and liked his digital sound. came back to mine with a known cd and noticed that mine does many things well. however, i was able to pinpoint what annoys me about the sound. distortion in dynamic passages, especially in the upper treble. mine sounds good until there is strong burst of dynamic energy. so is this the fault of the power supply, op amps or what. in addition what dac/player do you guys recommend under 600.00 that can combine smoothness and handle these dynamic passages. thanks again

I own Audio Note DAC2.1 Signature.Non OS DAC.I am more than pleased with the sound.It is more body,more natural, and also a bit warmer than other digital gear i have heard.BUT...this does not come at the expense of dynamics.Dynamics is still great.I think my DAC is very natural sounding and efortless.I rolled over 12 different kinds of E88CC tubes in it or 6N1P.Every time speed and dynamics are not a problem.I expected problems there, if anywhere.
Bass is extremely good.Midrange is clear,open and natural.Treble is brilliant.To my ears - no objections.
Just my opinion.