Are there any DACs that can go low?

The frequency response of the DACs you have tried probably extends to 20Hz. The reason that you are not hearing the same bass as your vinyl system is likely related to two deficiencies:

1) Jitter is probably too high to deliver the focus required for good bass
2) Dynamic response in the analog circuits are limited by power supply/subsystem

Not all DACs have this problem and some DACs will have significantly improved bass dynamics by driving them with a low-jitter source.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio

The Chord Qute HD has a very good bottom end - possibly the best I have ever heard.

I heard a direct comparison between it and a WFS and the bass was better - but if the Chord was an overall better DAC is a matter of personal opinion - some thought it was - others preferred the WFS.

As Doggie mentioned the Playback Designs has an excellent bottom end as well and, especially via DSD, but via PCM as well, is better that the Chord - but a LOT more expensive.

Thanks
Bill

bryston bda1 has nice bottom end

My learning over time tells me that for DACs (like all other audio components) it will be hit or miss in low end performance, which will be system dependent. Of course there will be exceptions.

The system dependency involves:

1.favorable impedance matching between sources, electronics, and speakers (without this you won't get the bass performance another guy gets from the same component)

2. jitter

I'm no EE and don't understand all the technical aspects, but an impedance match or mismatch is huge in all things audio and definitely affects bass power and depth.

Jitter is its own issue in the world of computer audio.

I wish there was more focus by everyone in audio on impedance matching to help audiophiles not waste money on quality gear that just won't work well together.

Reviewers, manufacturers, dealers, and audiophiles need to communicate more in these terms. Don't get me started!! You can do your due diligence, in research, which I have done. But it took time, money and self-education to face the realty about impedance matching of components. You must sometimes contact manufacturers because they often don't publish the input and output impedance specs you need to know before you buy. Those specs should always be published. Unfortunately, we don't get to hear a new addition to our system in our system before we buy, especially on the used market.

Sorry for my long rant!

FYI, jitter is not limited to computer audio. It is just as big a problem with CD and SACD players and devices like Apple TV and Sonos. It is a generic digital audio issue.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio