New DACs High End Munich 2023

@yyzsantabarbara 

I honestly feel that 005 outshines the R26 in center imaging and sound field width and dept (more holographic). They're both very detailed sounding DAC's, and I don't critically listen along the lines of teasing out which one is a more detailed DAC between the two. Speed and transients too I would give to the 005. Just over all does everything the R26 does and then some.

I feel the price difference is this comparison is definitely indicative of their respective performance where the 005 cost more and offers more, and is not lacking in anything that the R26 delivers.

To be completely honest I've had these two DAC's paired up in very different systems in very different sized rooms. So my listening impressions are very specific to what surrounds them I'm sure.

Musetec 005 system: Innuos Zenith MK3, Matrix DDC HDMI with 9v LPSU to 005, Technics G700MK2, JBL 4309 speakers with dual SVS Micro subs. Room 30x30 with 25' ceiling large floor rug, no room treatments.

R26 system: Harman 48 SACD/DVD audio player, coaxial out to R26 (used a DAC and preamp), Schiit Aegir Monoblock amplifiers, KEF LS50 Meta's, single SVS SB-3000 sub. 30'x35' room 11' ceilings, epoxy concrete floors, no room treatments.

I absolutely love them both, very different systems though.

Milpai I listen to Steve Huff review wow no wonder you are falling for T+a DAC it’s beautiful? If I were you? I will try my best to be able to Audition it.

@jayctoy , I have been reading glowing reviews about this DAC for some time now. When this DAC was introduced, there was 1 user who had mentioned that they prefered the DAC 8 DSD over the DAC 200. But 99% of the users who own this DAC have nothing but praises for it. Also there are some reviewers here that I trust have nothing but praises for this DAC.
I am not sure how I am going to convince my better half, but that is what is going on in my mind, besides keeping my eyes open to other DACs. In case you decide to go with a DAC, do let us know what you ended up with. I will be very curious -  especially seeing that you have already very good components in multiple systems.

Hi Milpai, first I want to know which NOS Mazda's you are using with your Backert?  I've got a Rythm 1.3 and have some tubes that Andy sent me which I like but love to tinker sometimes.

Next, I want to recommend the Maerason DAC1.  In my rig (McGary/Backert/Fleetwood Devilles) it was a clear winner over Bricasti, Ideon and anything Chord.  I know they have just updated the DAC1 to a MKII version and raised the price to $8K (rumor has it they want to introduce a new model in between the DAC1 and Frerot), but you can probably get a really good deal on a used version of the original DAC1.  If you have a chance to hear one, it's worth the effort.

The Merason DAC 1, is a New Brand and Model to me.

I usually stick close to a DAC with Valves in a circuit. The report I discovered on the DAC 1 started very positively and I had to have a look into this one.

The findings are of the type, that would put it high up on my 'must get a Demo' List. The model can be found used, and could be acquired for $3K if initial offers are not overly cheeky.

If a demo' proved to my liking, I would even consider taking a punt on one, at a time when the model is able to be found cheaper at a later date, I am liking the idea of having a SS DAC in the company of my Valve DAC. Hopefully in the near future somebody with a eye for Topology and circuit improvements will have designed a Upgrade Path for the DAC 1.