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Which DAC Filter - Fast or Slow?

I know. “The one that sounds the best”.

But I’m wondering if there is a general leaning on this topic, or if the results are just totally mixed.

I’ve read that using a fast filter will result in a higher top-end frequency response. Which is very obviously the case when using a fast filter on my Gryphon Diablo300 integrated amplifier’s DAC module. In systems prone to being bright or harsh, this could be a bad thing. That’s not an issue in my system - higher highs is a good thing.

I’ve also read that the trade off to fast filters is that the frequency response is less stable than slow filters - that the response will oscillate. I also think I can hear this? But I’m not sure.

Finally, people seem to say that the downsides of fast filters don’t matter because the flaws that are introduced are too minute to be audible. I’m not actually sure I believe that. But, in general I think I do prefer the fast filter overall. Crisper, quicker transients, more finesse, and, well, faster. I do get that it is system dependent, as I’ve found the filter does impact the sound differently when different servers are used.

What do others use, fast or slow, if they have the choice with their DACs?

 

nyev
audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,127 posts
 

Much depends on your amplifiers Sonic signature as well as speakers if you have say a neutral highly detailed beryllium tweeter ,then the fast filter can be too much 

of a good thing . I had a bit ofthis issue , I used different sonic signature f fuses 

for-example the  Audiomagic M1 fuse has a bit more Bass and more depth of image ,I used this for the dac, then took 3 Synergistic purple fuses for back of amplifier and 2 purple fuses for the ,very good  Linear tube Audio LPS going to the Sonore Optical Deluxe converters  which was a big step up in resolution and balance ,a bit morethen I wanted to spend but brought my streaming up a few notches.

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,578 posts
 

Everyone's hearing is different. Pink 'em. Slow for me.

nyev OP
1,031 posts
 

So far seems more are for slow filters! Anyone for fast?  Aside for @baylinor and I get your point.

petg60
1,486 posts
 

Use both, like both, big band, orchestra, rock, fast roll off, pop, small ensembles, vocal, jazz, slow roll off.

baylinor's avatar
baylinor
1,404 posts
 

From experience, I will add that for long sessions, slow is easier on the ears. 

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