2. digital
  3. 1104529280

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 tonyptony

tonyptony OP
614 posts
 
Hmm, we seem to have a difference of opinion here, gentlemen. I know very well that there's a lot more to the sound than just the DAC. As you pointed out, Alex, a well executed design is necessary along with a good DAC. So how do we know when we're listening to the DAC versus a better design / output stage? Where did the whole notion of the PSM63 K being so good come from? I still occasionally hear this being discussed today.
tonyptony OP
614 posts
 
Yes, that has been going on for quite a while (the mods). And one of (if not the) first things to be modded is the power supply. That and (in extreme mods) the replacement of part or all of what is usually a monolithic output stage with discrete components (sometimes even tubed).

But I'm curious, John. I happen to be a systems engineer in the defense industry (for quite a long time). I can agree in some respects that many commercial components just cannot be made to the tolerances expected for military use (too expensive). But among commercial devices, if it's one thing technology has shown us is that technology advances while cost either remains the same or goes down. Now I'm not saying that just because technology advances that something is "better". But your friend's comment is interesting: in what aspects of performance is his reference being made?
More to discover