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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 OP
4,060 posts
 

@wig - I agree, the Merason DAC1 MkII was a hard one to give up. I would have liked to keep it but just had too many DACs here. The Mojo EVO Pro was also hard to give up and the buyer received a very nice DAC with the Z-chips. Benjamin checked it out and adjusted it as-needed to as-new tolerances and then shipped it directly to the buyer.

I remain happy with the Mojo X SE NCZ in my main system and the SMc DAC-2 GT-24 in a back-up role when I want to hear a Delta Sigma type DAC. Since I am done comparing different DACs, I have removed the Singxer SU-6 from the signal chain and now directly feed the X SE by USB directly through the USB output of my Sig Rendu SE Deluxe. I recently compared the S/PDIF outputs of the DDC and the Sonore ultraDigital converter. The sonic performance from using all of these input methods into the X SE is close, but if I had to rate them I would probably put the direct streamer to DAC USB connection at the top, followed by S/PDIF out of the Sonore ultraDigital converter, and then S/PDIF from the DDC. However, I would not bet on being able to reliably discern a difference if I were listening blind. I also have a clocked USB filter coming here in the next week or so that I will try.

Next up, Benjamin is supposed to send me a Mystique Y to hear but otherwise I am done with DACs for now unless I find something interesting. It seems the next significant upgrade/change from Mojo Audio will probably be in 2026, with a Mystique Z DAC based on the BB PCM58 chips.

Happy New Year all!

wig's avatar
wig
1,274 posts
 

@mitch2 

You have done an Outstanding job with this Dac thread and So many have benefited from your Dac comparison. Wishing you a Happy and prosperous New Year!

Wig👌

cdc
1,820 posts
 

@mitch2 First let me thank you for taking the time to put this out there.

After living with R-2R DACs from Metrum Acoustics and Mojo Audio over the past 5 years,

 

 

I was considering the Metrum. Can you describe as you move up to these more expensive DAC’s, what they offer over the cheaper NOS stuff? Nos still sounds like NOS but better in some way? Or is it more just a change in sound quality but not an improvement in absolute terms over the Metrum?

Would like to hear your review of the HOLO if you ever get one.

 

brbrock's avatar
brbrock
66 posts
 

@mitch2 Hey Mitch just checking to see if you are still getting the  Mystique Y and if you have had a chance to listen to it yet?

mitch2 OP
4,060 posts
 

@cdc - I liked the Metrum DACs, and I liked the sound of the Pavane better than the Adagio (I compared them side by side for a while).  They use DAC chips that Cees designed and had manufactured.  His earlier DACs used industrial chips.  The Metrum DACs definitely sound like R2R DACs but they don't share quite the same organic texture as the Mojo Audio DACs, IMO.  The Metrum DACs are quite clean sounding for R2R and moving up their line adds body and drive, IME.  I still have their Jade serving as DAC and VC in my outdoor system.  You should try and hear one.

@brbrock - As far as I know I am still supposed to be getting a Mystique Y.  I thought it would be here by now so I should check in with Benjamin to find out what's up.  

@wig - Thank you!

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