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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
soix
10,457 posts
 

Could be all of the above, but as usual it depends.  With Merason I’d expect fuller, richer tonality, more refined treble, and an expanded soundstage.  Digital cables matter so don’t skimp there.  Here is one I’d recommend as it offers materials/design features (separate data/power legs, 5N silver, Litz construction, Teflon insulation) normally found in much pricier cables.  

https://www.lavricables.com/cables/ultimate-silver-dual-usb-a-b-interconnect-cable/

A better streamer with a linear power supply is a worthy upgrade, and upgrading the power supply to your DAC with something from LHY, SBooster, or Teddy Pardo is also very worth considering (should be much cheaper than the Merason power supply).  Yeah, it never ends.  Just my $0.02 FWIW.

 

knotscott's avatar
knotscott
1,186 posts
 

Yes!  My first DAC was a humble Topping E30.  It was audibly better than the stock DAC in my older Denon DCM 440.  My second one was notably better yet - a modified SMSL C100 with an upgraded MUSES02 opamp and custom linear regulated power supply. 

oddiofyl's avatar
oddiofyl
4,244 posts
 

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

milpai's avatar
milpai
2,505 posts
 

I switched from an Oppo UDP-205 to the T+A DAC200. From the first few seconds to date, it always amazes me. It is not even a fair comparison between the two. More of everything, clarity, soundstage and realism. All the things you mention and then some more. Unless some drastically improved tech comes along, I do not envision changing this DAC for the next few years.

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