Help: Anthem STR dac vs Bryston BDA-1 and others - sounds the same to me


I wanted to go ahead and throw this out there, I know there will be differing opinions but here’s my experience THUS FAR... I cannot hear one shred of difference between the internal DAC of my Anthem STR preamp vs my Bryston BDA-1. Are you surprised?

I’ve listened back and forth on two sets of speakers and test tracks via Qubuz with Roon - speakers are Klipschorns and KEF Reference 5.
I know the Bryston is older so perhaps that has something to do with it. OR, do we often overemphasize what we THINK we hear when we say a DAC sounds so much better than another?
I no longer have the Lumin T2 but I think I remember it sounding better but now I can’t be sure of what I was hearing. I do believe in hearing bias but I would expect to hear something more drastic.. Or are my ears just shot? I don’t think so - but who knows.
Is the DAC in the Anthem just that spectacular?

I’m asking because I’m thinking about adding a Denafrips Potus for fun.
Anyone else have the Anthem and think its DAC is on par with other reasonably priced external dacs?


dtximages

Showing 2 responses by dtximages

 What you're saying rings true with my experiences. I challenge any self professed "audiophile" (a liberally used term) to come over and hear a difference.  I want there to be a difference, but need to be convinced.
@erik_squires  great question and yes, "Convert Analog" is turned off on the RCA 1 input coming from the dac. 

I'll do some more playing, but just surprised they sound literally identical thus far.