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Hegel H390 DAC

I hesitate to add yet another DAC related thread but I haven't seen this particular question asked before, so....

After owing an H390 for a year, I just got around to listening to it's onboard DAC. What?  Huh? Why? I was biased -- convinced I wouldn't like because it wasn't described by reviewers as overtly"warm", like my Aqua La Voce S2.

As someone who always advocates making buying decisions based on listening, I feel quite sheepish making this confession but as this is an audio forum, not group therapy, I'll move on to the main point.  

I was shocked to discover I actually prefer the Hegel's DAC to the Aqua. In my system, in my room, it is more transparent, smoother and more effortless. And, to my surprise, it conveys more emotion. 

The only downside is that the Hegel's DAC is somewhat leaner in the mids than I'd prefer.

Question: which outboard DACs have a similar but more fleshed-out sonic profile under 7K, new? 

 

 

 

 

stuartk
stuartk OP
2,424 posts
 

@steakster 

Thanks for the useful clarification and link

 

 

 

 

 

 

stuartk OP
2,424 posts
 

@steakster 

From your virtual system comments:

Cables: too close together - and/or - in parallel - and/or - even crossing at 90 degrees.  e.g: This includes: power & signal, shielded & non-shielded, single-ended & balanced.

Definitely the case with my system --- I don't have much room behind components. 

Will see what I can do, though. 

 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
4,347 posts
 

I never heard any difference in my system that was influenced by how close to each other the cables are or their geometric orientation in relation to each other. Never have I heard even a slightest difference in sound between a speaker cable that was coiled or stretched out.
I did one time mess up the sound pretty badly when I placed my active power conditioner directly behind the amplifier. That was interesting. 

Post removed 
stuartk OP
2,424 posts
 

@audphile1 ​​@steakster

Thanks for your perspectives on cable organization.

@steakster

I don’t believe I’ve ever encountered "rat’s nest" and "cake" in the same sentence before! ;o)

As some one who loves to write, I admire your word choices.

Yesterday I reached out to a friend who heads up the local audio club. Hopefully I  can borrow some gear and hone in on the cause of the problems.

 

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