Do some DACs "handle" sibilance better than others?


I recently watched a  Hans B. review of the Ferrum Wandla in which he states that it "handles sibilance well," or something to that effect. Up to that point, I'd never come across such a comment, so I'm wondering whether anyone here has found that certain DACs are more/less prone to sibilance?  

 

 

 

stuartk

Absolutely. Actually about any source or intermediate component cane create and or attenuate sibilance. Components that emphasize detsail over natural balanced presentation are prone to create or enhave siblince. Hot speakers as well, particularly those with Beryllium tweeters.

I find cheaper single-bit/delta-sigma DACs can have some sizzle up top and grainy/overdone sibilancs and less so with R2R DACs, but this is just a generalization and I’m sure there are exceptions. 

Yes. But you have to understand that if sibilance is on the recording a transparent system will reproduce it. Difference is how sibilance is rendered which can be influenced not only by a DAC but also by cables, speakers (especially with metal, diamond or beryllium tweeters) and room acoustics. DAC is not always the culprit. 

@audphile1 

Thanks, Z

I meant: "all other things being equal", can one DAC present more apparent sibilance than another?

;o)