From the Streamer an AES/EBU cable is used into the Weiss DAC and then XLR or RCA form the Weiss goes to the Pre or intreated AMP. A wise man told me that AES/EBU is where the magic happens having something to do with how the DAC takes over???? Anyway hope you get to try one. They come up used.
DAC shopping - Trying to sift through the Hype. Can I trust the reviews these days ??
Hi All,
Well I've been reading a ton of threads about DACs. This is a very complicated endeavor, trying to find a new DAC. My 1st question is: Can I trust all the Youtube reviews these days ?
Seems like everyone is promoting the same DACs. I'm looking into a R2R Dac. Tons of hype for Holo May,Cyan,Laiv Harmony,Denafrips. Are these truly great Dacs or are they just the flavour of the month ?. There is almost zero negativity towards these Dacs. It's kind of like when the Eversolo streamers came out. Seemed like every reviewer was pushing the Eversolo. So searching for a new DAC online almost seems like sponsored ADs everywhere, am I wrong in feeling this way ?
That all being said here is my criteria for a new DAC (Probably searching the used market to get best value)
I believe I want to go with a R2R Dac, but it's not a dealbreaker.
My budget: $1000-$3000
My system: Bryston 3B Cubed, VTL(tube pre),Bel Canto 3.7 Dac(with upgrades), Antipodes Ds-3(player/server).
I really enjoy my Bel Canto 3.7, but it doesn't have USB input and I'm curious how much better a DAC sounds in 2024, compared to an older Bel Canto,. My BC has an upgraded linear supply. Once again this DAC sounds beautiful, but when its not compared to anything......Maybe I'm depriving myself of a better DAC. This is the only DAC I've had with existing equipment.
I know plenty of you will say go audition as many DACs as you can, but that is difficult unless it's hooked up to my gear. Won't help going to a store with a DAC being hooked up to different gear.Plus I want to buy used. I can buy higher end with a bit of a discount.
From my research these are the DACs I'm thinking of pursuing:
Laiv Harmony
Denafrips Pontas ii
Holo Cyan
You can tell from my choices that I've been buying into the hype.
Please add to my list of DACs and please dispel any extra hype over the most talked about models.
Cheers.
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@decooney Seems many people are saying the same about my Bel Canto 3.7. I did blow $1500 in upgrades last year. It's non-fatiguing and at times warm. You know how this stupid hobby is... It sounds great, but maybe I can change it up. What's the deal with R2R...? everyone is talking about it. :). @audiotroy The Antipodes is a great server/streamer. The reason I started this chat is because I'm using the Spdif output, not the USB. USB is what Antipodes suggest to use. |
When comparing a good delta sigma dac to an equivalent quality R2R resistor-ladder dac, some people tend to focus on these topics. Sharing a few of my own notes, and I learned not all R2R dacs are created equal. There are other members here on Agon who’ve tried far more dacs than I have, and they will likely chime in more. Sharing some of my prior Industry notes and comments collected fwiw: The preference for R2R (Resistor-to-Resistor) DACs over Delta-Sigma DACs often comes down to sound quality and personal preference. There are a few reasons why some people favor R2R DACs: Sound Signature: Many audiophiles feel that R2R DACs produce a more natural and musical sound. They often describe Delta-Sigma DACs as sounding a bit more clinical or sterile in comparison. Linearity: R2R DACs are known for their high linearity, which means they can reproduce audio signals with less distortion. Simplicity: R2R DACs have a simpler design compared to Delta-Sigma DACs, which use complex algorithms and filtering. This simplicity can translate to a more straightforward and transparent sound. Resolution: Some listeners believe that R2R DACs offer better resolution and detail, especially in the midrange frequencies.
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@freediver @tkrtrb125 You're both misunderstanding the effect of noise (EMI or RFI) on a digital component. You won't hear noise as audible static or hash. Instead, it affects how music is reproduced. Noise makes digital music sound more edgy and less smooth. Some people perceive this as not sounding as smooth as analog reproduction via a turntable or R2R tape deck. Others "hear" noise only when they listen to the same recording with noise filtered out. |
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