Sweet Sounding DAC
Ok, here's another one of those threads seeking DAC guidance. Certainly, I have started more than my share of such questions.
This search started as a need to find a smaller DAC and streamer due to overcrowding in my cabinet. Current players Bricasti M3 and M5. But as I started looking and listening, I realized there is a sonic search as well; just to complicate the process. As much as I like the Bricasti gear, I have always yearned for a softer- perhaps more tube/ analogue sound. So the search got harder. Here are some of the contestants with my questions/ comments or concerns. I seek advice from those who actually own or know the gear to follow , I will try to be brief. BTW my budget is essentially what I can recoup from selling the Bricasti gear. So lets say 3500 to 5000 ( if I sell both pieces). The first 4 I have sampled, the rest I have read about
1. Wattson Madison; great size. Found vocals a little off/ sounded better w external streamer - but then whats the point of the DAC / Streamer
2. Lab 12 DAC: loved the sound; too big a footprint. Great vocal tone
3. Konus : real nice, still a strong contender
4. Merason Frerot with LPS: not for me ( suprisingly)
5. Audio Note: would need to be entry level due to size. Is it good enough?
6. Gold Note DS-10 + Evo. Looks good on paper; has anyone heard it? Some dealers are not so high on it
7. Ferrum Wandla: looks good on paper but would add a box ( LPS ) to my cabinet. Anyone hear it? Word is that is a rich - smooth tone
8. Audio 11 Sagra: not much to go on but supposed to be smooth and sweet sounding
9. Border Patrol: some love it and some don't. Cannot fathom who is right.
10. AudioMirrow Tubadour. Seemed like a strong contender until a user told me its not that sweet sounding. More neutral in tone. I was bummed to hear that. Not sure it has the Lab 12 tone I seek.
I think thats enough to choose from.
Any insights would be appreciated. Please refrain from snarkiness....I much too tired for snark, But I do appreciate the help.
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I really have grown to like this DAC more and more. I switch back and forth between my Aurender and my Turntable and sometimes it’s hard to say which I like better depending on the media. It is built like a tank , 5 year warranty. Some limitations like no DSD and the Opt and Coax 2 are limited to 24/96. I thought something was wrong with it at first … the new manual does note the 24/96 limit. It’s important for me to note that as it may be a deal breaker and that is a good chunk of change. I had the opportunity to go in last week , plunk down $3200 and upgrade it and I don’t said nah…. It really does sound sweet. May not be for everyone but I love it. |
Did someone mention they wanted the sound of a "sweet" DAC, meaning midrange warmth, the type of characteristic that vacuum tubes cook-up in the form of a second order harmonic signature? Well then, how about one of these?
This is an inside shot of a DAC I recently got, and that is an Audio Research DAC 9. As part of the preamp or signal processing input, it uses a 6H30 tube per signal half. The rule of thumb, at least this is what I read, is that a single 6H30 preamp tube has the same output as a pair of smaller 6922 tubes, which is a very popular signal tube. Tubes bring a midrange warmth that "most" transistor configurations cannot cook-up. Also, as a clue to how a component will sound is heavily influenced by its power supply. As you can see, its got a large transformer, and a brace of filtering caps to give the music that "jump" when it comes to transient "snap." Anyways, find a dealer and give it a listen. Happy hunting for your DAC. :) |
@lucky_doggg7 Audio Research dacs are not good. Not reliable |
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