DAC comparison

@lemonhaze 

Guys who have got over the must play DSD, must unfold MQA, must have USB input, must etc. and have heard redbook played via a dedicated unit are coming round to appreciate just how much quality performance resides in the humble  redbook 

Amen brother and well stated.

Charles

@david_ten 

I completely get your automotive analogy. I would say that this really applies even more so to audio equipment. Listening to music is undeniably an emotional undertaking (For me more emotional than driving). If the audio product fails to connect and engage you with listening to music, what good is it? If you aren’t being touched, something vitally crucial is missing.

Charles 

My error, DAC 7 is not tubed.

@david_ten

FWIW, despite the Yggdrasil being the ’superior’ DAC, it is the ARC DAC 7 that remains memorable and special.

An interesting dichotomy, the "superior" DAC is recalled as less special and memorable. I wonder what is the perceived sonic gap between the DAC7 (Tube) and DAC 8 (Transistor) ?

Charles

Aside from ring dacs (i.e. dCS)  I wouldn't touch a DAC more than 10 years old. 

A broad paintbrush it appears to be. However we can only report our own experiences as we know them. This stance/perspective is definitely understood and appreciated in that light.

Charles

@oddiofyl 

No doubt it was.

Charles 

@ghasley 

I have heard the Border Patrol DAC (BP) but in a full BP system with Volti speakers under show conditions. The overall sound quality was quite good but of course no way to isolate the BP DAC contribution. Some on this forum have praised the BP DAC and others have trashed it and called it over rated.  Just makes the point that no audio component goes unscathed. Thus home audition if feasible.

@backdoor 

I hope you are able to hear the ARC DAC 8 and judge for yourself within the context of your own audio system. This DAC had a very good word of mouth reputation. I think it’s worth looking into.

Charles 

31pm

@backdoor That DAC was part of the last of the "we don’t like Redbook" era DAC’s. Since then most good DACs have demonstrated such an improvement with Redbook that you almost don’t care about high resolution music anymore.

Not sure when this era of transition took place, but an interesting observation. I have had the same DAC (Yamamoto YDA-1a) since 2010 it is simply wonderful with Redbook CD playback. Paired with my Pro-Ject RS2T transport the music presentation is genuinely superb and natural.
 

So maybe some brands/manufacturers crossed the threshold to terrific Redbook 16/44 earlier than others. Nice topic. Listening to jazz guitarist Kenny Burrell as I type this. The CD is “Lotus Blossom “ and it’s beautiful and captivating. Long live Redbook CD.

Charles