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Parsound ZDAC kind of blowing my mind...

I was offered a nice deal, so I took a chance on this DAC, thinking it might be a good stop gap while saving up funds for something better. It replaced a Behringer DEQ2496 I had connected to my Mac Mini. (In my system, the Behringer sounded BAD, exhibiting all of the worst characteristics of digital sound). My files are AIFFs stored on an external drive, and I'm running Audirvana Free on the computer. Before going the computer-based route, I had a Sony 5400 that I really liked (I sold it to finance the computer and an iPad).

Anyway, it's only been a week or so, but I have to say I truly was not expecting the ZDAC to sound so good. I don't want to get all caught up in the typical audiophile subjective terminology, but this thing has dynamics, is clean and clear on top, full on the bottom, and truly allows me to just relax and settle into the music. And yes, I am hearing parts and details on (very) familiar recordings I never noticed before.

I am a bit intrigued to hear how a "high end" DAC might sound in comparison, but, honestly, as good as my system sounds now, I intend to live with this DAC for a long time. Nicely done, Parasound.
jonathan1257

Showing 1 response by kljtech

kljtech
5 posts
 
The Parasound Zdac replaced my beloved Benchmark DAC1 USB in my office system and that's no easy task considering the price difference between the two. The Zdac has tight, powerful bass with a beautiful midrange and the treble is detailed yet sweet...a good bit smoother in the treble than my DAC1.

This is a great time to be a music lover/audiophile as there is a lot of great sounding gear out there that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. The headphone amp in the Zdac sounds pretty good, but the slight thump I get whenever I plug in headphones or IEM's annoys me so I use either the Schiit Audio Lyr or Asgard 2 for driving my headphones.
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