@mikhailark That's great, but you aren't going to convince me that an excellent dac cannot be built around ESS chips.
Needing DAC Advice
My main, current system is a Schiit Urd through a Benchmark DAC3 B through a Schiit Freya+ (running in passive mode exclusively - I haven't even tried the tube output), to Pass Labs X150's to Martin Logan SL3's (and a couple of rythmik subs).
When I 'listen' to music, I listen to CD's or vinyl. I don't stream - too many places for signal compromise in the streaming chain for my tastes and, more importantly, I'm vehemently opposed to paying a provider who profits by paying artists virtually nothing for their content. When I can, I buy physical media directly from the artists I want to hear.
A brief description of my pathway to here: the best-sounding system (for me) I've ever had was a modded Wadia 831 direct to a Pass Lab amp to ML's. (I'm a less is more adherent). I replaced the Wadia, as it was getting long in the tooth and I was worried about service, with an Oppo BDP105, then a modded 105D, again, directly driving the amps. Decent, but not the magic of the Wadia.
Which brings me to today - a transport and DAC. After much research, I went with the URD (because of the transport) through the Benchmark .I added the Freya+ in case I want to add vinyl to this system and the fact that the Freya is a 3-in-1 preamp. (I've got another, tube-based system for vinyl).
And here's the issue. The system is not a terribly musical-sounding set up. It 'sounds' very good: great detail, fast, big soundstage, blah, blah, blah...All those adjectives we regularly throw around. It's very 'there'! Sounds better than with the Oppo. But it is not...engaging? No soul?
I'm thinking it's the DAC. Maybe I'm just might not be a fan of Sabre or DS in general. Maybe I need try an R2R DAC. So, I started looking: Border Patrol, Denefripes, Mojo Audio, MHDT Orchid, HoloAudio, Lab 12, or even the Schiit Yggy.. Some of these add tubes which I'm not sure I want to do unless they can be bypassed (much as I love tubes, I'm not sure a DAC is the right place to use them.) Finally, before I go down the DAC rabbit hole, I will give the Freya tube output some serious listening, just in case tubes are the missing link. Otherwise, my questions are do you think that R2R is directionally correct and, if so, what suggestions/recommendations might you have? Thanks and I apologize for the length but I'm well aware that more detail I can provide upfront, the more useful your responses are likely to be.
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- 52 posts total
@sls883 - It can, but it is always possible to build R2R better than chip. With chip one is limited to manufacturer specs and analog filters must be appropriate to the chip. Limited freedom. |
I had 4 dacs at one point of varying “levels”. The Topping dl90, Cambridge modified by ModWright with tubes, Audio Note and Rockna Wavedream. The Rockna was a game changer for me. Was better in every regard compared to the others and really woke up the system. All the others lacked soul I suppose. The Rockna was immediate and awesome in every aspect. I was also recommended the Bricasti from who sold me the Rockna. Both are apparently very good. Good luck |
Those old martin logan SL3 most likely lost some of the high frequency they were capable of reproducing during their younger years, unless you vacuumed them on a regular basis and gave the panels a nice bath once a year. Those panels have a life span you know. May be together with the new dac swap the panels. Or better yet upgrade the speakers. Get that soul back. |
With regard to your statement that there are “too many places for signal compromise in the streaming chain”, I have found the opposite to be true if using a current dedicated streamer/server. Current streamers have sophisticated clocks to assure timing accuracy prior to data transfer to the DAC which again times the data before conversion reducing timing distortion. Many use a cache to assure the data is complete and the computer in the server performs data checks before transfer to the DAC. Modern streamers are well shielded and have sophisticated power supplies. There are no mechanical vibrations and noise generators as in cd transports. There is no concern with laser usable life and the fact that replacements for many models are out of production. I believe you will get more “soul” using a good modern streamer. Look at Aurender (my fav), Lumin, and Grimm, I agree with protest position with regard to artist compensation by streaming services. However consider the following. The supply and demand model has changed in favor of streaming over physical media. The record label or publisher is compensated by the streaming service, not the artist, directly or through collection societies. Therefore, the label is as much to blame. The compensation algorithm favors popular artists over new artists because it is based on the number of plays. However, new artists benefit from being noticed on streaming services. I weekly look for content. Therefore, the compensation model is flawed and needs revision. |
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