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 musicfan2349

When I started streaming it was, like many, with a Bluesound Node 2i. I listened for a few months and while I enjoyed it, I knew there could be "more". I began searching around and decided on a Border Patrol DAC. It was in my budget and got excellent reviews.

Once it arrived I installed it and let it burn in before any serious listening sessions. When I did finally settle in to see what I'd gotten myself into, I was immediately struck by the larger soundstage and increased detail. Please believe me, I went into the session doing my best to avoid any confirmation bias but there was no denying the improvement. I even swung the cables back to my original configuration... So yes, in my case there was a definite improvement all around and I've never looked back. 

If there's a refund/return policy on your new DAC, I would compare your system with it in and without making written notes on what you're hear. It helps a lot!

Happy listening.