Accuphase dac 60

This was never an accuphase or ps audio problem, just me, user error

As you say, a learning experience (Which are part of the process and worthwhile). Everyone has had these in some manner or another. Bottom line is that you finally sorted things out and the Accuphase DAC 60 is sounding great! I’m happy for your outcome.

Charles

What is your opinion on the link to the ps audio stellar gain dac? I really just use the xlr because I had two sets of the kimber hero in my system for so long. I have nothing against the rca hookup at all.

There seems more emphasis on its preamplifier capabilities than as a DAC. Doesn’t mean that the DAC section isn’t good. As has been said, at 2K you have numerous good options. 

I definitely agree with above comments about single end vs XLR/balanced connections. Most certainly depends on design focus, optimization and implementation. Don’t just assume that balanced is better by default. Not true, circumstances and specifics matter. 
 

Some of the absolute best sounding audio systems I have heard were  single ended (RCA) connected from one end to the other.

Charles

Agree, no shortage of choices of external DACs less than 2K. Another well regarded option is the Swiss made Merason Frerot DAC. 
Charles

@duke89061 First time with me personally ever noticing a change with burn in, which I was never a believer in. Now I am.

Ha! This has been a learning experience. Burn-in for many components is most definitely real phenomenon. I’m not surprised that the Accuphase DAC 60 is steady improving its sound quality (And will continue further). The substantial difference in voltage output was/is off putting as a new experience. I’m not surprised that the DAC is beginning to emerge as more clear, pure and resolved.

Charles

@duketbrd88

When @lalitk said the slot chosen was the issue I thought “wow” what a simple fix (Resolution to the prob). Alas it wasn’t the culprit afterall. There’s still a possibility that something might be faulty. If indeed it is just a case of a very low voltage output, you would think at least a few others would have voiced similar concerns. Audio is both fascinating and at times frustrating.

Charles

@duketbrd88

It seems for whatever reason Accuphase has implemented the  DAC 60 card to operate with a low voltage output. I have to give them benefit of the doubt and assume it’s for a good reason. I can see your point for certain. You have to trust what you hear and choose what sounds better and makes you happier.

Charles

“The DAC60 option board should be installed in slot #1. The slot #2 is for optional phono board”

Wow! I hope the resolution is this simple. That’d be terrific news.

Charles

Yes, if in fact the situation is DAC 60 1.23v versus P.S.Audio 5.5V, that’d literally explain everything. The voltage output differential is huge. Surely Accuphase can answer the question regarding output voltage.

Charles

@lalitk

The DAC60 is a dedicated digital input board that simply decodes incoming digital signal and inputs directly into preamplifier analog section

That is why I am seeking affirmation. If it doesn’t have an output voltage (Of its own) and the only output voltage is via the preamplifier section, then that output is only 1.23V. That’s quite low voltage for a DAC. This would explain the current dilemma.

@lalitk 

You are pretty familiar with Accuphase components. Do you think that the DAC 60 card output voltage is derived from the integrated amplifier’s preamplifier output or does it likely have its own independent output voltage?

Charles

The unanswered question is does the Accuphase DAC 60 card have an independent output voltage or is it totally reliant on the preamplifier output voltage of the integrated amplifier?

Charles

@duketbrd88

I see that the “preamp section output voltage “ is 1.23v. Since the DAC 60 is placed into this circuit I’m don’t know if it just utilizes this for voltage gain. If so 1.23is pretty low. Speculation for certain.

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I was unable to find specific output voltage information with regard to the DAC -60. “If” this is the DAC section taken from the Accuphase DP-60 (Minus the CD spinning mechanism) the output voltage is 2.5 voltage for RCA and XLR. So if this is the case, then a very significant 3 volt difference from the P.S. Audio. I don’t know why it’s so difficult to find the DAC 60 output voltage rating as it is worthwhile to know.

Charles

The output voltage of P.S.Audio XLR is quite high. So a lot of gain it contributes to your overall system gain. If the DAC 60 is around 3-3.5V or certainly less voltage, there’s the likely issue.

Charles

still can’t believe the volume difference between the two dacs

Do you happen to know the stated output voltage of your P.S.Audio and DAC 60? If there’s a large discrepancy (For example, 1.5V versus 4-5V, ) that would explain a lot. Some DACs have output voltages in excess of 5V, that’s very high.

Charles

I will admit, it is sounding better the longer it runs.

That is encouraging. Remain patient and allow your Accuphase DAC 60 to accumulate more hours of use.It appears that things are progressing in the right direction.

Best wishes,

Charles

@jjss49 

So essentially the Accuphase has a lower analog stage output voltage/gain compared to the P.S. Audio DAC? You’d think that Accuphase would emphasize this important point clearly. 
Charles 

It’s your decision obviously, but I would give it more time and accumulate hours. Admittedly I do not own Accuphase , but from what I know of their history/track record this seems a very atypical experience. Their digital sound quality is consistently admired. But I understand, the final decision is yours.

Charles

@duketbrd88

I think you’ve received very good recommendations from knowledgeable members responding to your inquiry. Accuphase has a long, vast and successful track record regarding digital audio sound quality. I feel very confident that you will experience significant improvement with your digital replay by obtaining the DAC 60 card.

Charles