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.
@bgross - Here is a list to get you started on currently popular $4K’ish DACs you could compare. One is over the range and one below, but the others are pretty close to $4K.
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@mitch2 You stated in your Post " and my relationship with them goes back around 20 years, first as a tire-kicker, then as a client, and finally as a friend, which says a lot about how they work with all of their clients. "
@brbrock You stated in your Post " You can get a custom amp, preamp or DAC made and it is a very fun and unique experience. You are a part of the build by choosing exactly how it will be built out. The quality of the build and equipment surpasses the price by far. " Both of these statements are closely related to my own experiences had to produce the system in use today. 845 Power Amps are commission built by an EE almost 25 Years ago, who prior to this during the 90's the same EE, had built for me a Stereo Power Amp', a Pre-Amp' and Phonostage. Today the same EE who is a friend, in the sense they get an annual bottle of their favourite Tipple sent as a gift at the New Year, is converting the 845's to be a Balanced Input. One owned Phon' and DAC in use today, both use Valves and are both Commission Built, where I was involved with the Phon' from conception through to finalising the design. The other Phon' in use, is produced as a working model for myself by the designer of this Phon'. The TT and Tonearm are both quite different from their original designs, where the modifications are undertaken by a individual recognised in the UK for their acquired skills for such delicate treatments. The individual who has undertaken this work is today a friend and is visited on occasions during the year, with plenty of phone calls shared as well. The Speakers are fully overhauled and modernised, by a UK leading Service for Quad ESL 57's. Moving away from the mainstream supply of Audio Equipment has helped myself, become acquainted with individuals who are willing to assist with educating a inquisitive mind, additionally to this, a system is now produced that is uniquely Bespoke, and has proved to be a system that is very much enjoyed for the discernible qualities it presents, by myself and others who get to spend time listening to it. At present the system is limited to being a CDT > DAC source only. |
I didn't include the Weiss DAC204 on my list below because of the low'ish price and because I haven't heard that much about it. I do however like the simplicity, and that you have a choice of 88.2 or 176.4 kHz sample rates, which are multiples of 44.1, instead of the more typical 48kHz and 96kHz. I did look up Michael Lavorgna's review at Twittering Machines and thought his comment below regarding the Weiss DAC204 compared to his totaldac d1 unity was a good description of one of the main differences I often (but not always) hear when comparing moderately priced gear with much more expensive gear, and also answers a question that often arises on this forum being, what do you get for more money? As he implies, even little differences can affect the level of listening enjoyment. He wrote:
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@mitch2 Thanks for sharing the link to that power supply. That is the first time I have seen a picture. That is definitely not the base level power supply. I know the base level external power supply doesn't come with chokes. The nice thing about the external power supplies is that they can be easily upgraded just by having another sent. Same goes with the future models of the Mojo Audio DAC's. I think that is definitely the way to go. |
