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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
debjit_g
287 posts
 

Can anyone name a pro audio component that is used in professional recording studios that uses an I2S input?

On the other hand, USB is used in professional recording studios.

What does that tell you?

It tells you nothing. The pro audio world also use cheap (compared to audiophile level) well measured and flat response studio monitors, how many audiophiles use those kind of monitors ? They also use Belden xlr interconnect - what percentage of audiophile use Belden in their setup ? They also sit in front of their mixing table with their ears and head in a vice, 4 ft away from the monitors - how many audiophiles do that ? And their are many more....does it matter what the pro audio world uses ? Their environment, purpose, use case are completely different than audiophiles. 

They do not listen to the music as we do - our purpose is to enjoy the music and to transport ourselves in that venue, their purpose to create that venue.

In seems like you keep bringing the pro audio just to justify the lack of i2s in your dac. As @sns also alluded, I have not seen any manufacturer claim one input is better than others. You have your design, other manufacturers have theirs - what sounds best is finally determined by the consumer in their listening chair.

@sns +1

mitch2 OP
4,332 posts
 

Have another comparison currently in process with an Aries Cerat Helene DAC.  Must say, this one requires consideration during set-up and I doubt I am done yet. Not the least of the considerations are the size and weight - the thing weighs 88 pounds!  It has three tubes and a user adjustable bias that does indeed change the presentation.  Cables matter too since it is really a single-ended unit and is said to sound best with single-ended output cables.

All I can say for now is that IMO this is a real contender in my system.  I am not surprised that it doesn't totally change the sound of my system compared to other DACs I have had here, but it does do some things very nicely.  Here are a couple of links to additional information (link 1) and some great pictures (link 2).

soix
10,355 posts
 

Look forward to your thoughts/comparisons, but at $19k it better do many things very nicely. 

grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,645 posts
 

I also look forward to your comments.  I think you will end up finding it is the best dac for you thus  far in your quest!  Let us know if it just transports you more into the music with realism.  I mean that flesh and blood kind of organic sound that just arrests your senses and captures  your entire  listening space! 

hbarrel's avatar
hbarrel
511 posts
 

Before ever encountering this thread I decided to bring in a Linear Tube Audio Aero DAC for the offered 15 day trial.

Right now, after three days of extensive listening sessions, trying different connects and cables. (XLR vs RCA) comparing my current DAC to the LTA…

Was planning to roll in 6S7N Rays Ultimate tubes but the box they came in remains unopened. Already had a matched pair of Tung-Sol 6S7GTP tubes and they went in the place the stock Westinghouse 12SN7 and happy with what I am hearing.

The bass is more refined, the mids more articulate. Overall pleasing which I believe is a baseline in this world.  
Cost is a consideration. Is buying a DAC better than what my system is capable of producing counter productive?

I think DAC’s might be like trying to pick out the best television in Best Buy. You can go in and stare at them, read reviews, bla bla bla, Regardless of which television is brought home we come to accept it and think all is good.
Buy the best you can afford.

 

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