Do you recall "instant improvement" from your first stand-alone DAC ?


After weeks of research I recently ordered my first external DAC.  My system is modest by most accounts... Van Alstine SET400 amp, T-10 tube pre-amp, Salk HT2-TL speakers, WiiM Ultra streamer/DAC.  It sounds very good to me... resolving, clear, excellent bass, mids, highs. Then I started reading and asking about streamers and DACs and it seems my system could sound better. So I did a lot of reading and ultimately ordered a used Merason Frerot with factory wal wort power supply.  Now the anxiety of second-guessing my choice and what it will sound like in my system.  Cuz there are no stores near me to demo DACS.  Eventually I will likely upgrade the streamer.

 

What did you notice the most about your first stand-alone DAC... more clarity, richness, scary good vocals, extended highs, more airy highs, more and better bass ?  Better soundstage and imaging ? All the above ? 

foamcutter

Showing 1 response by mihorn

oberoniaomnia    I compared a $250 Topping D50III with a $5K Holoaudio May 2 DAC, and while there were *slightest* differences, one was not objectively better than the other.

I agree. All DACs sounds different little. These little differences are insignificant and don't matter since veils and glare produced by separate DACs mask delicate music behind speakers. 

Also, far laid-back mid-range (human voice) in all systems (except mine) is even harder to hear. Alex/Wavetouch audio

Wavetouch audio live recording.