2. digital
  3. 191150-21

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
soix
9,456 posts
 

In the next day or two, I will post a short “wrap” on how the six DACs ultimately compare with each other, at least in my world, and then I will be done unless I get questions.

HA! You’ll undoubtedly get myriad questions, but I for one will just accept your insightful and honest thoughts/insights for what they are and in the helpful context in which they’re given. And comparing how all the DACs compare to each other is truly a Herculean task that goes above and beyond in terms of effort and adds immeasurably to its ultimate applicability and usefulness here. Most of us — at least the better informed/experienced I think — will be able to read between the lines and glean much from all the good work, time, and effort you’ve put forth here, and I thank you from the bottom of my audiophile heart for all that you’ve done to make all of us DAC-curious types all that much smarter. Your thread here is a true gift to all of us IMO.

stuartk
2,769 posts
 

"...a true gift. . ." , indeed -- if only professional reviewers were as comprehensive!

I'm afraid you will now be inundated with requests to review an endless list of other DACs.  

soix
9,456 posts
 

"...a true gift. . ." , indeed -- if only professional reviewers were as comprehensive!

@stuartk  Amen Brother!  This is precisely why I’ve called out TAS reviews (and most Euro rags) as being lazy and bogus as they rarely bother to compare a review component to anything.  Not only does this make the review less helpful/informative, it also insulates the reviewer from any accountability for their observations and conclusions.  Easier/faster for the reviewer and the magazine gets to crank out more reviews faster, but the benefits for the reader are greatly diminished.  Big pet peeve, and what’s worse, many times they don’t even mention the equipment in the reviewer’s system so we’re left just guessing all around.  Argh!  Ok, end of rant. 

bluethinker's avatar
bluethinker
177 posts
 

@mitch2 - Thanks for your work on these reviews. I sound myself eagerly waiting the next review like a favorite installment of a radio or tv program. I’m intrigued by the Mojo dacs now!

stuartk
2,769 posts
 

@soix

From my perspective, your rant is thoroughly justified!

 

 

 

 

More to discover