ASR recently did measurements on the Mola Mola Tambaqui and said it was the best dac he ever tested. Bruno Putzeys chimed in on the comments as well. ASR is a source like any other. |
ASR has some good discussions and links that explain the differences in DAC architecture. First the analog has to be converted to digital nowadays this is done almost exclusively with Delta Sigma ADCs. The goal is get the signal as true as possible this is where your numbers and measurements come in. Next comes the DAC to reverse the process. All of the differing architecture’s will accomplish this which does it with the least distortion and noise is the point of the DAC. It doesn’t matter which architecture of DAC you use as long as it can do the job accurately. Delta Sigma DAC’s are easier to implement so they are usually cheaper though not always but since you aren’t looking to buy a 5 figure DAC we’ll stick with that premise. R2R DAC’s can measure very well but they usually cost more see the above link to the Mojo DAC that runs about $5500. You can get a DS DAC that will measure just as well for about $250-$1000. The Topping D90 is a good example as well as the Sabaj. Don’t worry to much about how the DAC works just know they take a digital signal and turn into analog. The differences in the sound as was pointed out by the comparison of the Wolfson and AKM DAC’s has more to do with the type of filtering they employ. My guess is the Wolfson is using a Slow roll off hi pass filter or bypassing the internal and Cambridge used an outboard filter, AKM might have used the Sharp roll off giving different sound characteristics, the Wolfson emulating a LP sound that a lot of people find more pleasing to listen too. The best thing is listen for yourself and find what you like whether it measures good doesn’t matter if you like it. |
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+1 rossb
No way do R2R DACs have more detail, analytical, measure better than Delta Sigma DACs. Some might prefer the sound of a R2R DAC for the very reason they don't have the analytical detail of Delta Sigma DACs. |
TotalDac measures so lousy you might as well say it's broke. |
I am sure it sounds fine at least as good as a Sony Hap S-1 but maybe note quite a Node2i. |
Depends on what filters they use or if they build their own out board filter, even R2R dacs use filters. You didn't like the Mola Mola Tambaqui at $11,000 ? That's the top dac tested by ASR.
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Since most studios use Delta Sigma ADC's to create PCM I'll guess the best way to convert it back is with Delta Sigma DAC's. The process used whether R2R, Delta Sigma, Proprietary doesn't matter as much as how well the DAC is at getting a nice quiet accurate signal at the analog output. |
R2R sounds more like vinyl with the rolled off high frequencies it's probably why you like them . |
Uh, yes most recordings are n PCM, what type of modulator do you think they use when they are making these recordings? For example what do you think a TI PCM Audio ADC uses? They use delta sigma modulators. |
Saying a R2R DAC somehow manages to more accurately convert PCM which was made with a Delta Sigma ADC than a Delta Sigma DAC doesn't make much sense. The topology of the DAC isn't that important what's important is how well it's implemented they can all do a great job. |
I've seen the same type of discussions over cartridges and tone arms etc.. in analog. I think the Topping with the AK4499 chip will work well for you. I liked their older chip the 4490 I had in an integrated amp and I like the ESS 9028 Pro I had in a Benchmark DAC3B. If anything the AK chip has a more laid back presentation but to me it's really hard to tell good measuring dacs apart. |
The dCS Bartok is a great DAC. It measures well , has digital filters, up samples is not NOS and costs $13,500. |
A lot depends on how the chip is implemented there are 6 filters on the 4499. I have read the Topping D90 is very transparent. |
If I hadn't just bought a new streamer/ dac I would buy one for comparison to the ESS it looks like a great deal. |
