Hi Highfidelitea, what is your budget for transport? Budget for DAC? Are you looking for new or used? |
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. |
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. |
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? |
dCS Vivaldi is without a doubt a very good piece if used from the transport via CD, less so from hard drive.. From CD though, it is exemplary, certainly up with the very best.
But, as some will know, I use the same digital as Teajay, MBL1621a / CF 040 inc Battery Drive and tube output stage. This combination is terrific (as already stated..) as i'm certain it would also be with the Metronome Kallista Ref that Prawax uses. |
I was in a room at RMAF last year with Wilson on one side and Scaena on the other side. They both had dCS Vivaldi stacks. They were both good, but I much preferred the sound in my room using my Overdrive DAC, and so did the other showgoers. Its the DAC to beat IMO. Best volume technology for driving amps directly.
Steve N.
Empirical Audio |
Gryphon Kallipe-now for me the best DAC on market. I had many top DACs included MSB Signature, MSB Diamond, EMM Labs DAC-2X, dCS Vivaldi, Audio Aero, and many others. Metronome C-8 is great too. For me 1-Gryphon Kalliope, 2-Metronome C-8, 3-Vivaldi and EMM Labs DAC-2X
.but it is only my opinion in my system
.Grande Utopia III EM, Burmester 077, 2x911, Metronome C-8, Metronome CD transport, MIT Oracle SHD cables and Anacondas Z-Trons+Acrolinks PC9500. |
What about Burr-Brown, Wolfson & Cirrus Logic ? |
Well Parkmoonsoo,
I'm glad if you love, assuming you purchased it, the Bakoon DAC-9730. However it might be the best you heard, however you did not include the CF reference DAC, either the first generation or the new battery powered one. This DAC is quite better then the ones you mentioned, so if you have a chance to listen to it you might come to a different conclusion. |
I think the best DAC is Japan bakoon, DAC-9730.
We test and compared with Maitner MA-1, Simaudio 650D,
Chord QBD76hd, Antelope Zodiac, in USB.
DAC-9730 was exellant. |
Have you tried Chord, Lampizator generation 4, AMR, Aesthetix, Auralic, CAD, TotalDac, The Phasure Nos1, MSB Analog, The VAD tube Dac, Light Harmonic, M2Tech Vaughn, Metrum Hex and Playback Designs MPD5?
If you havent tried most of these, you may be in for quite a pleasant surprise! |
I've tried every dac in the market, to me the best dac which is value for your dime and price performance ratio is the Hegel HD25 (warm,organic,fluid and effulgent) - a very forgiving dac when it comes to poor sources - superb timing and natural timbre, second by Mytek's 24/192 DSD DAC - this one needs a good power-chord but - after like 14 days of continuous play this one really bloomed especially on DSD tracks - I've tried every TEAC,TASCAM,Audiolab,Naim,Audionote etc etc i think close to about 14 DACS in total through-out all types of technologies - i think the mytek and hegel hd25 is very difficult to beat (unless you are talking about DCS)..even antelope gold didnt do it for me. |
Very Well Written,
I have the M2Tech Vaughan DAC (Dynamic,Agile and Fast) and can't be more happier with this piece, i also recently acquired a secondary backup DAC from Hegel the HD25 (Warm,glowy,comforting) i run both of this with my Pass Labs XA60.5 Class A Monoblocks & Aesthetix Calypso Signature Preamp, of lately i've been really impressed with Hegel - i think if they come up with a SuperDac, i might sell the HD25 and jump on to their SuperDac, i like their signature sound; even pondering about selling the Pass, and getting into Hegel the H30 Stereo Amp, and dump the rest of the cash on better wires. |
I wondsr why Wadia has not produced a reference DAC for highrez like that from Emm Labs etc.
i prefer the Wadia sound and wonder whether i should upgrade to another brand or wait. i use red book cds and might venture into computer audio when i am convinced.
im hoping people on this thread will contribute |
Any ideas from anyone on the sound quality of the oppo bdp-105 if used as a standalone Dac.
Does its sound quality as a DAC alone merit it's $1200 price point? |
Hey All -
I wanted to read all of this posting on DAC's on my kindle, so I made eBook files.
Figured I'd share it in case anyone is interested..
This goes from the first TeaJay post on 09-15-05 to the last on 09-28-12.
EPUB: http://preview.tinyurl.com/c9dnq88
MOBI: http://preview.tinyurl.com/d8dt4yv
RTF: http://preview.tinyurl.com/c4o6uxn
I haven't read it yet - so I'm not sure I got everything 100% right - but hey give it a shot :)
enjoy,
S_ |
Hi Aewhistory,
I'm the one that started this thread. The Theta III is without a doubt a type one sounding DAC. Very dynamic and detailed with a bold spacial presentation. I always found Theta's DACs to be somewhat analytical sounding without some of the natural timbres that our very important to me to relax into the music. |
I haven't read this thread exhaustively, but my initial impression is that the Theta DACs have received relatively little love here. Why is that? I've always thought they were among the best in the biz? I have a Theta III and I LOVE it; best DAC I have ever owned. Admittedly, I have had few other truly hi-end DACs with which to compare it, but I've never been unhappy with it in any sense.
Anyway, just curious. |
What are you trying to do?
Are you trying to hear the final mix from the artist in the recording studio or are you doing the final mix yourself? |
Kops,
Just to respond on your sharing on the DCS/AMR experience. I haven't had the pleasure of trying out any DCS gear myself (out of my price range :-) So I'll have to defer to your observations.
However, I do see both these DAC's approach from opposite ends of the spectrum. AMR very much focus on the PRAT aspects of music, I've learned that their designer voice the DAC to several top vinyl playback systems. So to a vinyl fan such as myself, this DAC will have it's natural appeal.
From what I've read on the DCS gear they are known for being precise and detailed. Both are virtues that should be prize, but their design philosophy is clearly of a different school from the AMR DAC.
When I was considering the AMR DAC, the others I consider were the Weiss 202 and AudioNote 4.1. The Weiss would probably be a better comparison for the DCS.
I have notice the AMR DP-777 had more polarize feedbacks than many other new products. Not trying to rationalize observations of others but I do want to note that AMR did point out they had issue with an early batch of the product where a chip was not up to spec. I had checked with AMR to confirm that my DAC was of the later issued ones without the chip problem. I think this was pointed out by AMR in their response to the Stereophile review as well. They had use a DAC with the chip problem in the review; rather stupid of them...
The other observation I want to point out, was that this DAC really transform in its break in period; much more so than other gear I dealt with. The difference between the fully broken in DAC vs the new one is pretty dramatic. Also the each input source require separate break-in because it uses different tube/circuit path. Ie- the SPDIF had uses a tube which is bypass when using USB. Likewise, the volume control had silver resistors that took 400-500 hrs to break in if you were using the volume control.
With in the $5-6K price range, the AMR offers the most of what I like in music playback.
I would love it if someone can point me to a dac that can offer more...
For Less would be even better.
I'm just happy with this DAC in the meantime as my search continues for that next DAC :-) |
Elberoth2
"The well-respected German magazine Stereo, in its January 2011 edition, ran a review of the AA Tube Dac-II, and compared to its reference DAc, MBL's 1511F."
"I believe none of them is state of the art anymore."
BS. Comes in here with a silly statement without merit, and does not respond. He is not a troll, but that statement is "trollish". |
Unfortunately, I don't have the opportunity to hear many of the DAC's discussed thus far locally. May be time to hit one of the bigger shows. Does anyone have any comments on how the Metric Halo LIO-8/Sonic Studio interfaces compare to some of the highly regarded DAC's metnioned so far. I have an LIO-8 which I bought for recording vinyl, but it easily bested the Ayre QB-9 (to my ears, of course) on playback, so I sold the QB-9. It is essentially the DAC that Sonic Studio (publishers of Amarra) use/sell, and the two components (software and DAC) seem to play very well together. Would be interested hearing other's listening-based opinions. |
Anyone knows a store in NYC where they have the DP-777?
I am currently auditioning the new fully loaded (v-cap, silver wire, chokes. vibration chasis, NOS valves, etc.) Audio Horizons 3.1sv DAC, so far I havent heard better, its unbelievable, but since the DP-777 has been so well regarded I must give it a chance for A/B comparison. |
Never heard the AA so I have no opinion. I have painstakingly broken in a DP777 and if anyone tells me it got "smoked" I have to look twice. If anything "smokes" a DP 777 I want it :)
I thought the article was well written and his comparison to the analog rig was very good juxtaposition for his findings and as a metric. I did not find the unit to wane up and down as it broke in. The AMR steadily got better over the course of the 3 weeks I broke it in. |
In referrence to the link, mini review mentioned above, call it what ever you want but to me lost all credibility upon reading the information pertaining the AA Tube Dac sonic signature.
So far off!
I did not continue reading and just pushed delete. |
I have heard the AMR DP777 (in fact i just ordered one) and I thought it was the best DA I have thus far even surpassing my ridiculously good Metrum Octave/Diverter HR combination. I have listened to DCS gear before the Paganini Player I think, and to say it smoked the AMR.... that would not be my finding LOL!!! Now I know it is not the Debussy, but they have a house sound (as most gear does) and I would just say anyone looking at these two units should do themselves a favor and listen to them BOTH (fully burned in) in their system.
Please see the following:
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/DAC-reviews-Acoustic-Arts-Tube-DAC-Audio-Research-DAC8-Weiss-DAC202-dCS-Debussy-Meitner-MA-1 |
Elberoth, What tube dacs do you feel are SOA right now? |
The well-respected German magazine Stereo, in its January 2011 edition, ran a review of the AA Tube Dac-II, and compared to its reference DAc, MBL's 1511F. I believe none of them is state of the art anymore. |
I'd love to hear the AA against the new Berkeley and PWD II. |
Hi all,
for what it's worth: The well-respected German magazine Stereo, in its January 2011 edition, ran a review of the AA Tube Dac-II, and compared to its reference DAc, MBL's 1511F. They found the AA overall on the same level, writing the MBL had a touch more colour and weight in the middle, whereas the AA was a touch more open and dynamic.
Regards,
Florian Hassel |
Until they settle on a true supported digital format (and I doubt that FLACK is it) and address the STUPID prices on essentially PC hardware I can't get too excited about hi-res audio. No easy to obtain source material, obsolescence a real certainty, and hideous prices aren't my cup of tea.
Yes, 24-bit sounds great. But no, it isn't a long term, or even "sort of" long term investment and at way too much money.
Everything in them is HUGE market based PC hardware except a couple of analog D-A converters. I don't see $5,000.00 in that.
Even Bryston and Olive units that are more mainstream are WAY overpriced for what's in them. The audio industry is killing itself. Boomers can't keep this going forever. |
Hi Kops,
Nice system...Pass and Sonus Faber with Jorma and DCS...very good combination i bet.
As for DCS, i have heard DCS Elgar Plus stack and SCarlatti full stack, having compared both with my Zanden.
I have a deep respect for DCS (both stacks). From what i have been told by dealer (of both products), the AMR is an amazing player, but they did not seem to rate it has highly as the DCS...i think they felt AMR was emininently musical and a great, great all around player, but perhaps not as technically accomplished as the DCS Elgar, Debussy or certain Scarlatti. |
Geraldedison recently I have heard the AMR dp777 dac versus the dCS Debussy.
To cut a long story short the dCs smoked the AMR by a big margin AMR sounded like broken in every comparison with the dCs Debussy.
Especially from MacBook and Amarra the difference was even bigger surprisingly because both dacs claim asynchronous USB transmission.
The dCS flow was captivating.
The rest of the system PassLabs x600 and Sonus Faber speakers driven by the above dacs directly with Jorma Unity xlr cables. |
Hi Nilthepill,
first of all thanks for your words.
I use a Marigo Apparition Extreme Digital Cable RCA. In my opinion Marigo Ex. is the most dynamic digital cable I've ever heard. I choose a RCA connection because MTKR works to the best with it (44.1).
Have a nice evening and best regards, |
Prawax, thanks for the report! Which digital cable and termination type are you using with MT and CF DAC-040? |
Hi All,
I've spent a lot of time looking for the best DAC for my drive MT; I've auditioned top line of DCS, Lavry, Métronome, Emm L., MSB, Playback D., Danish Audio D., GTE, Zanden, AN, Kondo, Esoteric, Reimyo and more...; It will be a matter of personal taste but as soon as I've had the opportunity to hear the Concert Fidelity Tube DAC-040 I've taken it immediately.
In my opinion with my Métronome Technologie Kalista Référence as transport the CF Vacuum Tube DAC-040 sounds magically and better than all the others gears I've ever listened, combo or not, SACD or only RedBook (see above list).
I've also heard a lot of hi-level analog front ends so for my experience and for my ears I think this DAC in this combo configuration sounds good like the best among them!
I suggest all the audiophiles owned a RedBook collection to listen this DAC before purchase some other one because with a CF DAC-040 (equipped with the tubes you like more) they would be very happy as I'm now.
Regards |
I am absolutely thrilled with my Meitner MA-1. Sounds more like good analog than any digital component I've had in my system.....and still breaking in. |
|
Thank you Lloydelee21, if I ever manage to do some serious listening of P02/D02, I will definitely post my totally subjective findings on the combo. G. |
Hi Guidocorona,
If you do hear it...please post...i have read many of your posts in the past and definitely enjoyed learning from them. |
Lloydelee21, it is most probable that the auditorily obsessive contributors to this august thread mostly listen with their ears. you may have noted that I have deliberately asked for listening impressions of P02/D02, as technology by itself does not always correlate to sound... On the other hand, my own admittedly modest experience with Esoteric gear suggests there exists at least a partial correlation of technology deployed by Esoteric with their sound. As such, am admittedly intrigued by any possible effect of hopefully well executed 35 bit processing on P02/D02. |
+1
35-bit domain? That's the first i've ever heard of it. i've seen 32-bit before...maybe i've the tech lingo wrong. i listen with my ears rather than my calculator and calculus text anyway...;) |
Esoteric appears to have introduced its newest 2-box reference combo.... P-02/D02. It is still unclear if in the USA P-02/D-02 replaces P-03/D-03, or they bridge the gap with the P-01/D-01 combo. The US Esoteric site has not yet been updated with the new devices, but the Japanese site features an English section with all the info. Alex Peychev has kindly provided a link to the P-02/D-02 page in another thread, which I have copied below:
http://www.esoteric.jp/products/esoteric/d02/indexe.html
If anyone has the opportunity to see/listen to these new devices, please post your impressions.
G. |
I don't know if you seen this posting on ComputerAudiophile where there's been some good sharing on couple of folks experience with the AMR DP 777 already.
It's worth checking out if you are interested in this DAC.
I just got my sample this week and it is going through burn-in, so not fair to comment on it yet.
Do check out this link if you like to know what these folks experience has been thus far.
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/content/AMR-DP777 |
|
There's been delay in the shipment, so I'm expecting to finally get my hand on a unit to test with next week.
I'll post once I get to spent some time with it. |
Hi Geraldedison,
Any luck? |
I've been trying to get an audition for the AMR DP 777 but none of the local dealers has this in stock. It seems the first batch that was made had been all sold out and even dealers haven't been able to get their hands on it.
All they could offer me was an audition with the CD 77 which the distributor claims is very similar to the DP 777 for redbook playback.
The DP 777 does have the advantage of hi-res playback as well.
The dealer expects to get his hand on his DP 777 roughly at the end of this month or early oct. If this dac does sound like the CD 77 for redbook playback, I will not hesitate to pick one up. All the reviews for the CD 77 have been very positive.
That's it for now. |
There are a lot of USB->SPDIF and USB->AES/EBU converters out there so do not limit yourself to only DACs with a USB interface. With a name like "tubesrule", I suggest the Manley Reference or The Wave DAC. Eveanna would be proud. 8-) |
I am switching over from recent cd players like Esoteric X-03, and a Wadia 21, to a mac mini. I was thinking spending 1000-3500 in the used market for a USB or firewire dac.
What do peaople suggest for my first DAC? |
