Reference DACS: An overall perspective


There has been many threads the last few months regarding the sonic signature of some of the highest regarded reference DACS (Dcs,Meitner,Ensemble,Audio Note,Zanden,Reimyo,Accustic Arts) here on the GON. I have been very fortunate to audtion many of these wonderful pieces in my home or friend's systems. I wanted to share, in a systematic way, my impressions/opinions with you GON members for a two reasons: 1)That my experiences might be helpful to fellow members interested in audtioning these DACS. 2)Starting an interesting discussion regarding the different "sonic flavors" of these reference digital front ends. I totally agree with the statement, "if you have not heard it you don't have an opinion". Therefore, I have no comments regarding DACS from Weiss,Goldmund,Audio Aero and Burmester because I have never had the pleasure of audtioning them. I would love to hear from members who have and share their experiences with us. My overall impression is that these DACS(Dcs,Meitner,Ensemble,Audio Note,Zanden,Reimyo,Accustic Arts) can be grouped into two molar categories regarding their overall sonic signature. By the way, all of them can throw a large/deep soundstage with excellent layering in the acoustic space with "air" around individual players on that stage. However, than they start to part company into two major categories. Category #1) These DACS "flavors" revolve around pristine clarity, fine sharp details,speed,very extended top/bottom frequencies,and great PRAT. These DACS never sound "etched" or "in your face" but are more "upfront" then "layed back" in their presentation. The DACS, to my ear's, that go into this bracket are Dcs,Ensemble,Meitner. My personnal favorite in this group is the Ensemble, which I owned for two years. These DACS remind me of the sonic signature of speakers such as Wilson,Thiel,Dynaudio, Focal/JM Labs. Category #2) These DACS "flavors" revolve around a "musical/organic" sense, natural timbres,and an easy flowing liquidity. Their "less forward" presentation my give the impression of less detail, but I think in this case its an illusion fostered by their more relaxed/organic manner. The DACS, to my ear's, that go into this bracket are Audio Note,Zanden,Reimyo,Accustic Arts. I did find that the tube DACS did not have the top/bottom frequency extenstion and PRAT of the SS DACS in this bracket. For me, the Accustic Arts DAC1-MK3 gave me the best of both categories, therefore it is now the resident DAC in my system. These DACS remind me of the sonic signature of speakers such as Magnepan,Von Schweikert,Sonus Faber. Well, it's all just my opinion regarding these digital pieces, but I hope this post was at least informative/somewhat interesting and would lend itself to other GON members sharing their impressions, not about what DAC is the "BEST" in the world, but your personnal taste and synergy with your system.
teajay
Esoterix X01 D2 seems very very interesting, Branimir I guess you'll be one of the first who will hear it, so you know you have to let us know.

Btw this weekend I've heard the new Horning Sati digital set: top loading transport, tube dac with 2 6sn7 and tube psu total 3 pieces, minimal design. The system was LAmm 1.2 and Verity Parsifal Ovation. THis new digital gear seems intersting and this maybe the first piece auditioned. I'll keep listening this again to be sure of sonic signature
Branimir,

Have you got any updated views on the Krell Evolution 505 yet? I'm probably just about to buy one, and I've auditioned it for just over a week and I'm very happy with the detail/soundstage/treble/bass/sweetness blend, but my dealer doesn't stock much else in the price range, and SACD is (unfortunately) important to me due to my investment in the format!

I'm being forced into an upgrade as my old Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista SACD player broke down, and all that MF could offer was a cobbled together repair, from spare bits, and with no warranty! The cheek of that company means I'll never deal with them again. Thankfully my dealer has given me a great deal on the broken TriVista which I need to make the most of.

I'm happy with the sound of the 505 after a week, but I guess I'm just after some assurance that I'm making a decent move. The rest of the system is old Krell 250a & 250p pre/power, Sounus Faber Elector Amator II speakers, and Transparent cable & power condition.

Any thoughts from anyone out there would be very helpful.

Great thread!

Daren
Brainimir, Do you know when the 4th generation VRDS NEO will be implemented into the UX-1?
Frank
Exlibris, do you have any results from you comparison of the Accustic Arts Dac 1 Mark IV with your ML31.5 vs their new Drive 1 Mark 2 transport?