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.
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 ?
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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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Yes! At every DAC upgrade I heard more resolution, more life, more engagement. My upgrade path went Classe internal DAC > PS Audio DS1 > Auralic Vega G2 > Mola Mola Tambaqui. (All using internal bridge). Then I got a decent streamer, Auralic Aries G1 an that made things more lifelike, breathing air into the sound. Everything does matter, and power supplies (if needed), cables, and tweaks to digital front end all add. With your Tube gear @foamcutter, I would suspect a highly resolving DAC would be amazing. |
@soix nailed it…
Having owned Merason’s DAC1 MkII, I would also expect you might hear improved bass. DACs that have provided a noticeable improvement to my system have made the music sound more natural and less digital. |
I would expect the Merason to immediately sound more harmonically correct with better performance at the low and high ends. However all upgrades carry the risk of unintended consequences, be prepared that masked weaknesses in the streamer may be exposed with a better DAC. The main difference between a $1k and $4k streamer IME should be more sophistication in detail and better resolution of background instruments. My first separate DAC years ago was a Dlink III and it was enlightening on how DACs were important. |
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