2. digital
  3. 1327217166

Worlds best DAC

Went to CES this year to work on my transition to high Rez digital. I've heard many of the highly regarded players in my room or in others systems in the past. I'm actually very happy with my current cd based sound. As I listened to various DACS playing CD then high Rez, I was not bowled over. High rez was better, but only slightly so. The best (and most different) sound I heard happened to have one similarity. They were 2 non oversampling DACS with tube analog stages(Zanden and Ypsilon). These were without question the most natural sounding digital systems I heard at the show. They made CDsound miles ahead of high Rez. What gives?

PS: I understand the limitations of show auditions.
bflowers
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,322 posts
 
Hmm, I could probably make some of the same statements about the $350 used mhdt Constantine DAC I use currently as is made about the Trinity DAC at that link.

Funny how the one guy condemns the craziness of high end audio then claims to have found the holy grail of DACs himself in the next sentence.

The DCS/VTL/VAC/Nordost/Magico system I heard the DCS on surely cost 6 digits, many times more than mine. And in fact it sounded excellent in most all regards in a smaller to moderate sized listening room, one of the best I have heard. The DCS certainly held up its end of the deal.

There are some things my setup does better, and almost surely vice versa. I'd need an extended comparative listening session between the two in the same room to know the differences for sure. As long as that is the case, I am happy with what I have without having to break the bank too badly.

If there is a gap to close between my DAC and the DCS, I think the ticket would be to add a certified high quality clock device that would help assure minimal jitter. There are some of those out there I believe for reasonable cost.
rx8man's avatar
rx8man
1,483 posts
 
At the moment, probably this, read Piano Tuner's description.
f1a
198 posts
 
RX8,
What's that Trinity cost anyhoo??
rx8man's avatar
rx8man
1,483 posts
 
Email Dietmar Brauer or one of the dudes at AudioExotics, no price shown.
bhobba's avatar
bhobba
303 posts
 
Best by what measure? Whose ears?

Just yesterday I compared a $2.5K DAC to a $5K DAC. I heard the 2.5K DAC first - beautiful, musical lovely sound. Slightly shy in the bass but really nice to listen to. Then we put on the $5K DAC - in every way it was better - better bass, detail and life.

But would people prefer it? Having been with people listening to DAC's I can assure anyone there is no way to tell - some will like the $2.5k DAC, others the $5k - everyone has different triggers that says - this is real.

Check out the following:
http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2012/04/nad-m51-digital-direct-dac-initial-impressions/

I own both the M51 and PDX. To my ears the PDX easily bests the M51. It simply has greater life, detail and accuracy. But how did the above review characterize it?

'The PDX showed far greater extension in both frequency directions. Some might call this ‘air’ and ‘bass depth’. 'Team Lenehan’s box continued to display an immediately thrilling/arresting listen, but this time without avidity heard earlier behind CJ tubes. The listening panel felt that the PDX didn’t play music that you can relax into – it’s edge-of-your-seat stuff…and that’s where you remain. I picture myself as Malcolm McDowell in A Clockwork Orange, my eyes pinned open and forced to endure everything in front of me. More dramatic than subtle, the PDX is pure ultraviolence. It’s a preacher, all up in your grill with musical evangelism.'

And that pretty well sums it up - every DAC, in fact every piece of audio gear - has a particular sound. The best is what particular sound appeals to you.

Thanks
Bill
More to discover