Ahendler,
You raise a good point regarding DSD. If the implementation of this DAC is high level it could be excellent for Redbook CD playback.
Charles, |
This looks like a very good designed and implemented product. Their level 3 version could be quite special. It offers upgraded Jensen capacitors in the power supply and a silver wired 100VA transformer (green label). No question that higher quality transformers and power supply capacitors make a significant difference. Internally it appears to be very well built. Interesting the builder recommends the Audio Horizon Platinum fuse as a desirable option. True R2R ladder architecture. Isuspect that this DAC (particularly the level 3) could be exceptionally good sounding . I'm curious as to their approach to I/V conversion (an important variable). Their pricing seems very fair given what’s provided. I wish them well.
Charles, |
I'd enjoy the opportunity of directly comparing their level 3 Spring DAC with my organic sounding Yamamoto DAC. I had the Metrum Octave DAC (R2R/multi bit chip concept)a few years ago. It was in fact very good but head to head I preferred the Yamamoto and sold the Octave. The Spring DAC could possibly be better than the Metrum. It'd be an insightful endeavor.
Charles, |
Gary,
What is the I/V conversion method? |
Hello gary9413 ,
You have assembled a very nice and well thought out system. I believe choosing the Spring DAC level 3(upgrade capacitors and transformer) was a good decision. I sincerely believe that opting for the highest quality transformer/caps offered are the type of choices that make a true difference in sound quality. Your system IMO will be capable of resolving the improvement these better parts provide. I'm confident that you'll have no regrets. I like the fact that the transformer is a robust 100 VA. Most DACS use the smaller 15-30 MA size.
Charles,
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Hello Bill,
The primary comparison will be between the Spring DAC and Bricasti SE. The Yamamoto is definitely a lesser known Japanese boutique product. It has been built by a very talented designer and sounds superbly natural and is musically/emotionally engaging. This comparison would be optional.
Charles, |
Bill,
Yes I was referring to current to voltage conversion (I/V). It is usually via a resistor (passive), Op amp or sometimes a transformer (Audio Note). However as Al wrote R2R ladder circuits can have voltage output rather than current output. I’m just curious how this interesting DAC achieves its output.
A good friend of mine decided to order this DAC (level 3 version ) and should have it in a few weeks. He has a Bricasti SE which sounds terrific in his system. I think that this is going to be a interesting comparison. If possible I’d like to hear it in my system and compare to my Yamamoto YDA DAC. It’d be fun to hear this DAC in two very differently assembled audio systems. Well common ground is we both have "class A amplifiers". I have 8 watt 300b SET mono blocks and he has 600 watt Krell FPB mono blocks 😁.
Charles, |
Jon2020,
In theory you’re right regarding price category and expected performance. However actually listening to components in your system proves otherwise. I’ve learned that price/performance isn’t a linear relationship. The friend I referred to earlier had the highly touted Playback Designs unit(16 K at the time) in his system several years ago. The truth? It was clearly outperformed by the far less costly Mod wright modified Oppo 2 chassis player! This was with both CD and SACD.
Generally speaking you get what you pay for, in High End audio there are definitely exceptions to this mantra, no question. This has taught me that you must listen to audio products when ever possible. Speculation and expectations can be wrong. This applies to cables as well in my experience.
Charles, |
Jon,
The good news for my friend was he had no problem selling the Playback Designs. Audio products that reach esteemed status via reviews and word of mouth sell quickly in most cases. When I sold my Metrum DAC a few years ago I received five offers within 6 hours of placing my audiogon ad. At that time it was a very hot and high in demand DAC. The Yamamoto flies under the radar in U.S.and wouldn't sell as easily on the used market despite its excellent sound quality.
Charles, |
Hello Greg,
I had mentioned this in an earlier post. My friend has the Bricasti SE and I have the Yamamoto YDA-01a DAC. He uses a MAC computer set up and I use the P.S.Audio PWT.
Charles, |
Jon,
My friend will audition the Spring DAC in his main system. It will be used with his Absolare Altius preamplifier. If I’m able to hear it in my system it will used with the Coincident Statement Line Stage. Either will most definitely reveal the innate sound character of this DAC.
Charles, |
Full disclosure,
My Yamamoto DAC is modified with the Duelund CAST copper foil capacitors (output coupling) SR Black fuse and sits on, a Star Sound Apprentice platform.
Charles, |
It's difficult to say that one DAC is unquestionably superior to another competitor. No doubt the Schiit is very good but better than the Holo Spring DAC level 3? Also consider the Lampizator Atlantic, excellent according to those who have heard it. |
Hi George,
Regarding the fuse comment, I write what I hear, thus my "take it as you like " for the skeptical. We’ve gone over this before on another thread and I just say that we will continue to "respectfully" disagree and leave it there. If you find my impressions less informed as a result, so be it. My opinion of this DAC is very favorable after hearing it today. As always I simply post honestly my listening observations and people can take them as they wish.
Charles, |
Thanks guys,
My post was no attempt to write a formal review but rather an impression of its performance relative to a know highly regarded reference such as the Bricasti SE. If the additionof the Singxer SU-1 provides even modest improvement then we have a DAC of enormous performance/cost value. This is excellent news for those shopping for terrific sound quality at very reasonable cost.
Charles |
A good friend of mine received the Holo Spring DAC a few weeks ago and has accumulated just over 300 hours in his bedroom system. He invited me over today to hear it in his primary system. Which is comprised of computer-Bricasti SE DAC-Absolare Altus Line Stage-Krell FPB 600 mono blocks-Rockport Altair speakers, he uses Echole cable loom. Needless to say that he has a fabulous sounding home audio system.
We listened to several very familiar recordings all 16/44.1 with the Bricasti SE we then listened to the same music with the replacement Spring DAC level 3. Well I’ll say this, the Holo Spring DAC is very good sounding. Natural character with good tonality and sense of musical ease. Dynamics,bass weight and impact as well as sound stage presentation and perceived dimensions were near equal to the Bricasti, this is a compliment.
Where th Bricasti SE is superior is refinement, nuance and inner/micro details or information. Bass texture, vibraphone, piano and guitar harmonics, overtones and timbre are superb as they’re more completely fleshed out and distinct. The Holo does these sonic things very well to be perfectly clear. The Bricasti raises the bar higher yet. In no way or manner is the Holo embarrassed in direct comparison, not at all. You are made aware of differences between components when heard back to back.
When cost is factored into the mix you have to acknowledge that the Holo Spring DAC level 3 represents very substantial value. Without question this is an exceptionally good sounding DAC. Three points to clarify.
1 The Distributor strongly recommended the Audio Horizon Platinum fuse upgrade based on his personal experimentation. I’d trust him on this. We replaced the stock fuse with a Synergistic Research Black fuse and there was genuine improvement. Take that as you like.
2 The sound was also improved with the use of an Intona high speed USB isolator between computer and the DAC.
3 The Distributor is sending my friend a Singxer SU-1 USB digital converter which he insists is very beneficial. We’ll see if that is the case once it arrives.
Initial impression, This DAC is very well built, solid and reflects high quality workmanship. Best ofall It sounds like music if you know what I mean. It held its own in an exceptionally fine and highly resolving (yet superbly musical) audio system. It is a legitimate high end product.
Charles, |
Milpal,
According to my friend the Singxer SU-1 will allow the use of IS2 connection, he is awaiting his. I don’the mind the inevitable skeptics. They come with the territory of open discussion forums., I’m confident in what I hear and am comfortable reporting it. Depending on the circumstances I’ve heard a fuse or power cable make more of a difference than a tube or capacitor swap (sometimes). It varies from one situation to another.
Charles |
Hi Jon,
Well said. I make the assumption we here are all mature adults who happily share information and perspectives and are capable of determining what sounds good to us.
Jon despite hearing these fine DACs and numerous others as well, the Yamamoto YDA-01 remains with me. That Japanese gem just goes straight to my soul.
Charles
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Hi Phillip,
No I wouldn't necessarily say that, I'm impressed with it and it may further improved via IS2. The Bricasti SE is excellent in my friend's system, it replaced his Asthetix Pandora Signature. I don't believe in an absolute best when it comes to audio components. There exist too many factors and circumstances involved including the listeners themselves. I do believe however there are definitely superb products available to choose among.
The Yamamoto isn't perfect obviously and certainly has limited flexibility. Its appeal to me is a simple and pure organic nature and terrific tone/timbre qualities. It just pulls me right into the music with a strong emotional communication. I haven't heard any other DAC that does this any "better" (although others do this as well). So far I've not found another DAC compelling enough to lead me to decide it's time to replace the Yamamoto.
Charles
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