Six DAC Comparison


I am in the middle of comparing the sound of six different DACs in my system. I own them all (I know weird) but one of them is still within a trial/return timeframe.

Not to share specific comparisons today, but a couple of observations so far are that first, they all definitely sound different from each other. On one hand, they all sound pretty good and play what is fed to them without significant flaws but on the other hand there are definite sonic differences that make it easy to understand how a person might like the sound of some of them while not liking others.

Second, raises the observation that most of them must be doing something to shape the sound in the manner the designer intended since one of the DACs, a Benchmark DAC3 HGA, was described by John Atkinson of Stereophile as providing "state-of-the-art measured performance." In the review, JA closed the measurements section by writing, "All I can say is "Wow!" I have also owned the Tambaqui (not in my current comparison), which also measured well ("The Mola Mola Tambaqui offers state-of-the-digital-art measured performance." - JA). The Benchmark reminds me sonically of the Tambaqui, both of which are excellent sounding DACs.

My point is that if the Benchmark is providing "state-of-the-art measured performance," then one could reasonably presume that the other five DACs, which sound different from the Benchmark, do not share similar ’state-of-the-art" measurements and are doing something to subtly or not so subtly alter the sound. Whether a person likes what they hear is a different issue.

mitch2

The best value piece of the bunch is tge new Aero at 4 grand....and, depending on your taste, maybe the best sounding.  A friend has the Aero and uses NOS 6SN7'S and it sounds very very nice.  He actually had a Benchmark and, for him, it was no contest.  It's an excellent piece.   Best of luck.

That Merason DAC1 MkII has been highly reviewed and is known for a natural sound. Same as the Mojo. A good mix of DAC's here to compare.

@mitch2 agreed on DAC3. It’s a good DAC but long term didn’t do it for me. 
So what’s the conclusion on the shootout?

The comparison is ongoing. I am not rushing things and have other things going on like home projects and bike rides while the weather holds. I just retired last month so I am catching up on a long delayed to-do list of stuff while still occasionally consulting.

I am continuing to listen to all of the six DACs while zeroing in on about a dozen music tracks that I will mostly use in the comparisons. I will post those selections here. I will also post some background on DACs I have previously owned that may serve as a basis for my impressions.

I am still considering how to post my observations and may post a separate piece on each individual DAC with a final summary on how they compare with each other relative to my musical preferences, which of the DACs I like best, and the reasons why.