New DACs High End Munich 2023

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. 

Hi @badgerdms , I use the Mazda greyplates from 1960s. I got them from Jesse Brent with extended warranty. Andy at Backert is a genuine and very helpful guy. I have talked to hm at length. Did you get the HP tubes from him? If yes, how do you like them over the stock new Mullards? I suggest that you write to Jesse about the sound you are prefer and he can help you decide.

Thank You for the recommendation on the Merason DAC recommendation. TBH, it does not do DSD and hence is a non-starter for me. I have about 150+ SACDs and I also up-sample PCM to DSD 512 in Foobar and like what I hear. I know we can go into a completely different direction with DSD Vs PCM - but I would not like to go there.

@pindac , I am not sure if I would prefer valve in my DAC. Valve in preamp is the best I can do. I do not want valves in my amp or DAC. And the Merason does not do DSD and hence is a non-starter for me. But Thank You for the suggestion.

@milpai I use Valves in a much larger capacity that you have chosen to use.

Additionally, with Valves used a components being my preferred Topology/Circuit, I do not encourage others to use Valves. In my earliest days of using these designs, I was informed by EE's there is a discipline required by the user. I have been faithful to the disciplines explained and do not encourage that others inherit these, it is their choice, if the Valve Design is the one wanted to be wed to.

I believe it is for this reason that I have sought out SS equipment that I perceive as delivering to a standard that is close in the sonic that a Valve Design will display.

Hence, my interest in a SS DAC, that I sense will be a good device to run parallel with my DAC of choice, especially one that will be able to lift the impression made by a usually met design for a SS DAC. 

My friends DIY Design is capable of this, but that is not one I can guide others to, I prefer to have something readily available, to make known to all who are inquisitive and showing a interest.

This is allowing for my usual practices, where I attempt to make the devices qualities known, through doing demo's where there are a range of attendees with differing interests or through the reporting on the experiences had on a forum.

I took my Bespoke Produced Valve DAC only, on a round trip of approx' 280 miles to a Forum Event, that was heavily supported with Digital Sources.

As the day unfolded, I was able to encourage a unknown individual, who had a digital source that got quite a bit of attention, to let me connect my DAC into their system.

There was a queue of individuals wanting to hear their own music replayed through it, I call this a successful experience and a good new encounter with a device for a large proportion of the attendees.

It would be nice to have a not too expensive SS DAC, that is not too well known but readily available as a model, that has the capabilities to create a similar reaction.