Back to the DAC

…the N200 is optimized for USB so select a DAC with solid USB implementation.

That is an excellent point that needs to be emphasized. 

Into my DAC my streamer/player's AES output absolutely trumps the USB output. As @audphile1 states the N200 is the complete opposite. 

For the 20 times the number of people viewing this thread than there are the number of posters, and the same goes for all the many other "I need a new DAC" threads, just something to take into account for those attempting to do some online shopping, and narrow down some new DAC purchase, as I just went through the same exercise a few months ago. I am off the merry-go-round (for now)

This whole "digital front end" part with its permutations can be complicated.

Context is everything-In a demo, which unit was doing the clocking?  It is quite possible those who claim "DAC A was better than DAC B" we may not know exactly how it was setup or synergized with the rest of the system: Was it the streamer/player combo you heard, or was it just ethernet into the DAC, and which digital cabling etc. It matters. 

As always: in home demo's are best with YOUR streamer/player, optimally set-up based on manufacturer's recommendations or users reports. And many are now finding their streamer/players are making a larger impact on the sound quality than the DAC anyway. 

@worldwidewholesales

Great post with great advice-and it is commendable you didn’t give any specific manufacturer’s names. There is a good chance I will never in my life listen to 10% of the components you have,

I am curious if you could share what your current 3 demo songs are for your comparisons?

I wish more folks would realize and admit this is a journey of preferences.

It’s not a cage match of bests.

@tvad exactly. Which brings me to....

I do not recommend the Weiss, dry and hard compared to the others.

Dry and hard? I guess to my ears all the other DAC’s are too fat and slow?

As to cabling, I am using lower cost digital cabling from my transport (step above Blue Jeans which is very neutral and a steal at $35) similar to the Westminster Labs lower end digital cable.

Might be a contributing factor to a less than perfect audition?

@navyachts looking forward to your Gustard/Bricasti comparisons. 🎶

Honestly though, I didn't ever think I would be springing for a DAC that cost more than my amp & pre-amp combined.

I will always remember what my Linn dealer said 20+ years ago:  $5000 sources with $500 amplifiers always sounded better than the $500 sources with $5000 amplifiers. Sources then meaning vinyl and cd spinners. 

this DAC has sucked me dry

Wow, that must be quite the DAC. 

Definitely try the M1S2 direct to your amplifier. That might be a revelation. 

Yes, let us know how you like the "more direct" sound. 

I'm done for now, thanks to you all for your help & support on my audio journey, time to sit back and enjoy the music!

👍 🎶 🎵 🎶

@jmeyers 

👍

@navyachts not odd at all, many like the more "coloured" sound. It does take some getting used to, and myself I have enjoyed the purity of the sound without a pre over the recent years, but have recently purchased a primaluna evo 400 pre to toy around with and you know, "colour" the sound. 😉

Define "better" though: warmer? more forgiving? smoother? richer? more bass bloom?