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
When I was auditioning DACs and transports, versus complete CD players,
I found the digital cable was both expensive and very important, in terms of the signal quality produced.

Those of you that have heard several digital cables, which are your favorites?
The former (don't know about the new CRL cables, I believe they changed them) FIM digital cable is BY FAR the finest digital (spdif) cable I have ever heard. It is not subtle and it was far far better than some very expensive others in direct comparison. Seems like my uncle had a good one.., Tara Labs (can't remember the model, sorry), I remember it was expensive and very very good. I think it was like $3k.
Am shopping for a CD Transport /DAC system after my Audiomeca Transport became a door stopper. And came to this site after a long hibernation.

I am now using an Oppo BDP 105 connected to the Audiomeca DAC but just do not have the mood to listen anymore.

So I have narrowed it down to a few.

Nagra launched the HD DAC but I have not auditioned it yet. Neither have I auditioned their CD players

MBL Reference 16's is wow with their complete MBL setup, but I've heard from sources that it may not match well in other non MBL systems.

EMMLabs - very clinical, I hear voice, cymbals, drums, guitars but I did not hear the music.

Esoteric - not auditioned
Boulder - not available
Accuphase - no audition
MSB - not set up.

Most other vendors have crap set up for such high end products that they represent - it's a shame.
Hi Highfidelitea, what is your budget for transport? Budget for DAC? Are you looking for new or used?
Hi Guidocorona,
Because transport is mechanical in nature, I'd prefer to buy new. I am typically a non tweak person, so I'd prefer a system that I can hook up and just put the disc on the spindle and press play and beautiful music emanates into the room. I'm prepared to spend below 40K in a Transport/DAC.
My system is 3 Brystons Amps 14B, Brystons Pre BP26 and PMC XB2/MBD's speakers.

I'm also looking at a playback system that is well built with little need for repairs and service, an example of it was the Accuphase 80/81L, which I sold (big mistake?) and replaced it with Audiomeca's Transport/DAC that I had problems with in terms of quality, and now carrys no support whatsoever..