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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
mitch2 OP
4,075 posts
 

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.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,340 posts
 

Congratulations on your retirement!!!

I’ll keep an eye on the thread for updates. Thanks 

zlone
746 posts
 

Following, I will be interested to hear your thoughts on the Merason in comparison to the others. 

Congratulations on your retirement. I am in year three and wonder how I ever found time for a job.

mitch2 OP
4,075 posts
 

@zlone 

I am in year three and wonder how I ever found time for a job.

I hear that a lot and starting to understand - crazy!

mammothguy54's avatar
mammothguy54
951 posts
 

I agree 100% about "wonder how I ever found time for a job".  I am in retirement year 6 and it has been a great ride.  Developing my new audio system, fishing for big tuna and yellowtail, and skiing only on weekdays (no more weekends

or holidays).  I will soon be developing my digital front end and am following this thread.  The LTA Aero has my attention, quite favorably.  I will audition it next weekend at the Pacific Audio Fest, in Seattle.  @mitch2 thank you very much for such an immense effort.  I look forward to your further analysis and reports.

 

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