Do some DACs "handle" sibilance better than others?


I recently watched a  Hans B. review of the Ferrum Wandla in which he states that it "handles sibilance well," or something to that effect. Up to that point, I'd never come across such a comment, so I'm wondering whether anyone here has found that certain DACs are more/less prone to sibilance?  

 

 

 

stuartk

Showing 2 responses by audphile1

Yes. But you have to understand that if sibilance is on the recording a transparent system will reproduce it. Difference is how sibilance is rendered which can be influenced not only by a DAC but also by cables, speakers (especially with metal, diamond or beryllium tweeters) and room acoustics. DAC is not always the culprit. 

I meant: "all other things being equal", can one DAC present more apparent sibilance than another?
 

@stuartk I think with DACs, especially when we’re talking $5,000 and up category, it would be extremely unlikely to have a DAC render sibilance to the levels where it would become an issue. Yes some DACs would emphasize that particular frequency range more than others but I’m fairly certain about accuracy of reproduction. It wouldn’t be an issue unless other elements contribute to it. 
Most likely room, speakers and cables will be the problem areas. So yeah it is possible but unlikely.