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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 2 responses by oddiofyl

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,226 posts
 

The Frerot is a nice sounding DAC.  Enjoy.   I listened to one when looking for a DAC and it sounded really good.  

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,226 posts
 

My first DAC was one of the first the Audio Alchemy DACs.   It was a step up from the Sony player I was using.   

My first DAC that really sounded good was a California Audio Labs Alpha DAC with Delta transport.  That was an expensive DAC for a young audio enthusiast,  it was $1500 in 1993 .   Equivalent to over $3k today. 

I've had a number of DACs since ,   my current DAC is a Lab 12 DAC 1 Reference.  Beautiful sounding DAC that i have no intention of replacing anytime soon.  

I'd have to try something that really blew me away before selling the Lab 12. 

 

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