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Are any of the newer DACs better than BB PCM63s?

I've heard very often that there has been a perceived decline in the quality of DACs since the famous Burr Brown K series PCM63. Anyone know if there is any quantitative (or even qualitative) truth to this? I remember back in the days of the PCM63 other manufacturers' DACs were not considered in the same league, but can the same thing hold true today? How would a PCM63 compare to one of today's Wolfsons, Crystals, AKMs, or even the current top of the line BBs?
tonyptony

Showing 2 responses by aplhifi

aplhifi
515 posts
 
Tonyptony, PCM63K is PCM1702 in PCM63 case. The current top of the line BB DACs are much better sounding - more detailed and relaxed sound. Of course, I have yet to hear better sounding DAC than Crystal. I mean carefully executed designs incorporating Crystal DACs. MBL is what comes to mind first - simply amazing. The clarity, resolution and top extension coming from Crystal DAC remains unmatched, to my ears.

Regards,
Alex
aplhifi
515 posts
 
Tonyptony, the PCM63K (PCM1702) is a R2R ladder type of DAC. There is nothing unique about it. It was actually the first R2R type of DAC to achieve the highest precision in the industry by implementing the really expensive at that time Laser Trimming techology for the R2R resisitor ladder. Other than that, you can build PCM63 at home using some logic devices and it might even turn out better than PCM63, less the precision of laser trimming..:-)

Even the latest BB DACs still use R2R ladder with current output. If you really ask me, the patented "switched capacitor" DAC in the Crystal DACs is superior just because there are no currents flowing trough it. The dynamics and high frequency extension are unmatched. This is the reason for its superiority over all the rest.

Anyway, it is all hype. It is best to trust your ears! And believe me, who say we all hear different, according to me, is not true...:-)

Regards,
Alex
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