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 You may already know the answer to the question I am asking.  Benjamin from Mojo Audio has said that his DAC's are great at time and timbre especially during dynamic changes from the use of chokes.  I understand what he is saying but I have never heard his DAC's.  Will you speak specifically of the  MojoAudio DACs to the others and let us know if you notice a difference.  Plenty of DACs use several transformers and lots of Capacitors but none have chokes. I am curious just how much this plays into the sound.

@brbrock - Check out my write-up on the Mojo Audio Mystique EVO Pro Z that I posted on 9-14-24 @ 1:12pm

As with all  dacs your perception may be a bit different then mine .

Personally I feel the T+A200 dac at $7400:the best value in a high end dac  I Sell the Very good.  Denafrips New Generation -15 dacs ,not just  an upgrade line of Dacs, these will meet and or exceed anything in their price class ,.Holo springs  makes a good product , for Tube dacs Lampizators upper end is very good which I have owned , Aqua also make a solid product ,.

 

Must include the SMSL SUX and Gustard A26... these $1000 Chinese made DACs totally outperform 10X more expensive DACs made in USA or UK.

@mitch2  All I can say is wow: terrific undertaking and execution. Thank you!

I will be receiving the LTA Aero soon to compare to my PS Audio DSD v2. I am familiar with the 12sn7 tubes and the kind of energized presentation they are capable of. Might need taming a bit for my sensibilities. I am looking forward to tube rolling it.