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
fuzzbutt17's avatar
fuzzbutt17
83 posts
 

Benjamin from Mojo Audio again...

I did want to mention a few things about our Mystique Y.

First of all, Mitch has the middle-priced Mystique Y AM with amorphous core chokes. If he had our Mystique Y NC with nano crystal core chokes the sound quality would have been even closer to his Mystique X NC Z.

The reason is that aside from the single USB input and the AD1865 vs AD1862 DAC chips, the two DACs are nearly identical: identical USB input...identical power supplies...identical direct-coupled class A output stage...identical component parts quality...nearly identical chassis. 

MSRP on the Mystique Y AM that Mitch has is $5,499 whereas retail on the Mystique X NC Z he has was $12,499. So the Mystique Y AM is less than 45% the price. Our entry-level Mystique Y Fe with ferrous core chokes is only $3,999 which would be less than 1/3 the price of Mitch's Mystique X NC Z.

Quite an exceptional value if like most of our customers all you use is the USB input.

brbrock's avatar
brbrock
99 posts
 

@mitch2 Hey Mitch how does the new DAC sound?  I know it is suppose to be a tad more lively.  Does the Mystique Y still beat the other DAC's you spoke about in the thread?

mitch2 OP
4,215 posts
 

The Mystique Y sounds good in my system. 

I am working on a write-up to post here but been a bit busy lately with regular life stuff.  I will try to finish and post something this weekend.  As a preview, no real surprises.  Benjamin has been a straight shooter about both how good it sounds and the comparative differences between the Y and the X SE.

aberyclark
1,410 posts
 

I have always considered a "perfect measuring" DAC like the Benchmark as something a mastering engineer would use. Providing a baseline of clarity and evenness so the engineer can add the "flavors". 

In some regards, I would think an audiophile would want similar in their own system. The owner THEN can add their "own" flavor thru tone controls, warm/bright components, etc. 

However, most audiophiles have an existing system and need a digital source that fits in with their existing system where a "perfect measuring" Dac may overcompensate for some sound characteristics (warm/bright/lean, etc)

Plus, with all that, we have the listener's room and their own personal Hearing abilities. The same with all of the reviewers out in youtube, internet or audio publication land. If we saw professional hearing test readouts with every reviewer, we may look at their opinions quite differently. 

 

seanheis1
632 posts
 

The state of the art measuring DACs are great if you have a balanced room and a balanced system...most of us don't have that. 

Less precise DACs give us a softer sound...rounder edges...they are more forgiving and can add meat to the bone. Similar to but much more subtle to what a First Watt amp does...these DACs are art and can add beauty to a recording. 

 

More to discover