Not sure what the output voltage is on the Mojo and SMc DACs so I am matching output volume by ear. The 6V output from the Mola Mola DAC seems to add dynamic punch and life to the music, regardless of the output volume. I found the 2V output to sound comparatively bland.
Simple device for downsampling?
Is there a device such as a DDC or something else that can be placed in the digital path prior to the DAC and set up to downsample all higher resolution digital music files from Tidal, Qobuz, and local storage (all played through Roon) to a maximum 16-bit and 44.1 or 48 kHz, to facilitate a DAC with those playback limitations?
Many Tidal/Qobuz files are already 16-bit, 44.1 kHz but almost as many are higher resolution files and I am unaware of any options within Roon to limit file resolution sent to the DAC. Back when I used a Mac mini and one of the player programs, I believe we were able to select the output sample rate but now that I solely stream stuff thorough Roon, I am not sure how I would do that. Thanks for any helpful suggestions.
- ...
- 30 posts total
I would recommend installing a sound level meter app on your phone (at least) and use that with a very consistent tone for setting levels. I do this when comparing dacs and set the levels on different channels on my preamp. A higher output almost always sounds better in comparison to a lower one and can definitely trip up a comparison. According to Mojo’s website the Mystique will output 2.5V single ended and 5V balanced. I don’t believe you mentioned anything about SE vs Balanced. I wasn’t able to find anything regarding the SMC unit.
|
I didn't mention that my system is balanced throughout so all three DACs are using the balanced outputs. At 6V vs. 5V, the Mola Mola and Mojo DACs are pretty close in level but at (I believe) 2V, the SMc DAC is at a noticeably lower output voltage than the other two so I do increase the volume when comparing with that DAC. Good suggestion on the phone app although the differences I am hearing are not solely related to impact/output level as I seem to notice differences in body and dimensionality between them. Tonally, the differences are not as apparent and all three DACs are similarly resolving, with maybe the Mola Mola a slight bit better than the other two in that area. However, I don't believe resolution will be my deciding factor. It is still early. |
I am excited to see your findings especially with the SMc DAC2. I had Patrick update a DNA.5 a few months ago and he mentioned a new DAC2 he built and that it may not be able to process the bit rate as the new DAC's but it was the best DAC he had listened to. He said it just sounded good and musical.
|
@brbrock - Patrick and Steve do incredible work. I have a pair of their big monos and an upgraded preamp/buffer in my system. Their stuff is just so musical. I looked back at some notes and realized I first asked them about their upgraded DAC in 2013, ten years ago! I contacted them after reading the sixmoons article/review by Francis Baumli, Ph.D. who raved about his upgraded SMc Audio UltraDac. The DAC comparison is in full swing. The newer units, including the SMc DAC-2, have been getting almost around the clock repeats of Ayre's full frequency sweep to help with any break-in that might be needed. Patrick said the large Jensen output transformers may require a couple of weeks before they reach close to full potential. What I can say for now is that Patrick's comment, "it just sounded good and musical" is spot on. As I said earlier in this thread, "The idea is...to hear what each of the DACs do best and then decide which sounds the most musical and enjoyable to me." I plan to keep the one or two of them that I enjoy listening to the most. Based on what I have heard this weekend, I suspect the SMc DAC-2 may be one of the two. |
- 30 posts total