Are "vintage" DAC's worthwhile, or is this a tech that does not age well

I listen to an old (late 90's?) Theta ProBasic III DAC and use digital for CD's only.

Sounds great to me and much better than the half dozen ESS DACs my local audio dealer let me audition at home about a year and a half ago.

I was in his store yesterday and he was playing Sonus Faber speakers, (higher model range than Sonnetos) through Prima Luna electronics, and a Lumin streamer. The sound was veiled and the bass was muddy.

Now there are tons of variables, but I got home and enjoyed my Thiel CS5's with the Theta DAC. My sound was better.

If the DAC is implemented well and has a good analog output on it, it will still sound good.

Thanks for istening,

Dsper
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Dsper

I listen to an old (late 90's?) Theta ProBasic III DAC and use digital for CD's only. Sounds great to me...

You can see my earlier post for this thread above.

Anyway, I just received on Monday afternoon a new Soekris DAC 1421, which is single ended, from Mod House Audio. Just thought I would try it as I have been thinking about finding a new end game DAC. I have been considering Bricasti, Denafrips, Metrum, Mojo Audio, and Schitt.

Right out of the box I could tell the Soekris was providing more detail but I also thought it was thin sounding and bright. This was while listening to  "Argus" by Wishbone Ash. I left it on overnight. This morning, I still felt it did not sound very good while listening to "Crossing Muddy Waters" by John Hiatt. A couple of other CDs later, I was listening to "Tunnel of Love" by Springstein and it started to sound different. 

Cutting to the chase, I am listening to "The Touch of Your Lips" by Chet Baker right now at after the DAC hs been powered on for about 20 hours. I know the sound of this CD. The Soekris sound has solidified and I would no longer categorize it as thin. It is smooth to the point of being liquid?! The increased detail seems to be translating into more solid images and better clarify the whole audio range.

So...this 899 dollar and 2.2 pound experiment is leading me to believe that current DACs can sound pretty darn good and I am now questioning the sound quality of the Theta. The next question right after that is whether spending bigger bucks for better power supplies, more nuanced analog circuits, etc. will translate into better sound?

Thanks for listening,

Dsper

Dsper

I listen to an old (late 90's?) Theta ProBasic III DAC and use digital for CD's only. Sounds great to me...

You can see my earlier post for this thread above.

Anyway, I just received on Monday afternoon a new Soekris DAC 1421, which is single ended, from Mod House Audio. Just thought I would try it as I have been thinking about finding a new end game DAC. I have been considering Bricasti, Denafrips, Metrum, Mojo Audio, and Schitt.

Right out of the box I could tell the Soekris was providing more detail but I also thought it was thin sounding and bright. This was while listening to "Argus" by Wishbone Ash. I left it on overnight. This morning, I still felt it did not sound very good while listening to "Crossing Muddy Waters" by John Hiatt. A couple of other CDs later, I was listening to "Tunnel of Love" by Springstein and it started to sound different.

Cutting to the chase, I am listening to "The Touch of Your Lips" by Chet Baker right now at after the DAC hs been powered on for about 20 hours. I know the sound of this CD. The Soekris sound has solidified and I would no longer categorize it as thin. It is smooth to the point of being liquid?! The increased detail seems to be translating into more solid images and better clarify the whole audio range.

So...this 899 dollar and 2.2 pound experiment is leading me to believe that current DACs can sound pretty darn good and I am now questioning the sound quality of the Theta. The next question right after that is whether spending bigger bucks for better power supplies, more nuanced analog circuits, etc. will translate into better sound?

Thanks for listening,

No issues charles1dad. Just trying to share a current live experience!

I guess it would have to be an external PS with the Soekris. I mean it is no bigger than a hard cover book you might borrow from the library (I use a Kindle by the way as it is wonderful when you are traveling).

My problem is trying to sort out that hierarchy of sonic qualities. For example, I believe that understanding the analog output of the DAC is a key. The technical explanation has to be translated into what this means to the sound. I suppose not all designers are totally forthcoming, and if you can find the technical information, I find my eyes start to glaze over trying to relate that to sound.

It is a conundrum between the plethora of choices and relating them to the sonic heirarchy to make an informed buying decision.

I think I was rather lucky that the Soekris sounds as good as it does.

And hopefully my grammar is better with this post!

Thanks for listening!

Dsper

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charles1dad,

Hi @dsper,
Given the diminutive size of the Soekris DAC I imagine the optional power supply is external. I would bet its use makes a positive difference.

I emailed Mod House Audio and Soekris in Denmark but so far no response about an external power supply. I searched both websites and did not see anyhting.

Dsper