@mitch2 - Great review, Mitch. I’m very intrigued by the Mojo Audio line of DACs now. It sounds they simply bring joy to the experience of listening to music. In my book, that’s mission number one. Will be curious to hear your thoughts on the LTA DAC next. Lots of people seem pretty excited by it, so will look forward to hearing what you think its strengths are.
Six DAC Comparison
I am in the middle of comparing the sound of six different DACs in my system. I own them all (I know weird) but one of them is still within a trial/return timeframe.
Not to share specific comparisons today, but a couple of observations so far are that first, they all definitely sound different from each other. On one hand, they all sound pretty good and play what is fed to them without significant flaws but on the other hand there are definite sonic differences that make it easy to understand how a person might like the sound of some of them while not liking others.
Second, raises the observation that most of them must be doing something to shape the sound in the manner the designer intended since one of the DACs, a Benchmark DAC3 HGA, was described by John Atkinson of Stereophile as providing "state-of-the-art measured performance." In the review, JA closed the measurements section by writing, "All I can say is "Wow!" I have also owned the Tambaqui (not in my current comparison), which also measured well ("The Mola Mola Tambaqui offers state-of-the-digital-art measured performance." - JA). The Benchmark reminds me sonically of the Tambaqui, both of which are excellent sounding DACs.
My point is that if the Benchmark is providing "state-of-the-art measured performance," then one could reasonably presume that the other five DACs, which sound different from the Benchmark, do not share similar ’state-of-the-art" measurements and are doing something to subtly or not so subtly alter the sound. Whether a person likes what they hear is a different issue.
Showing 13 responses by bluethinker
@mitch2 - Looking forward to your observations on the DACS under review. I’ve just upgraded my Merason Dac to the MKii version and I’m very happy with it. I am curious about your assessment of the new LTA DAC. I have an LTA preamp and I love it. |
@mitch2 - I’m also looking forward to your personal experiences with your listed DACS. I just upgraded my Merason DAC1 to the mkii version and am absolutely delighted with how it sounds in my system. That said, would love to hear your perspective on how it sounds in comparison to the others, especially the new LTA DAC. I have the LTA preamp and love it. |
I’m really looking forward to Mitch’s observations. @mitch2 - Would you consider adding the Audio Mirror Tubadour DAC to your review if Vlad was willing to send it to you? |
@mitch2 - Thanks for allowing us to enjoy your evaluations and comparisons vicariously. It's a great opportunity to learn about these other products I've not yet had the opportunity to hear and experience. I'm curious to hear your thoughts on these different products. While I'm absolutely happy with my Merason DAC1 MKii, I'm curious about the sonic strengths of these other DACS. |
@mitch2 - Thanks for the thoughtful review. You’ve been doing an admirable job of communicating your impressions while maintaining a nuanced and objective perspective. I’m sitting here listening to my LTA Microzotl preamp. It’s a wonderful component. Just superb. Based on your description, I’m convinced I’d be happy with their DAC too. Looking forward to the rest of the reviews! |
@mitch2 - Another great review, Mitch. Looking forward to your comparative thoughts on the Merason DAC1 Mkii next. |
@mitch2 - Another great review, Mitch. Thank you. I own the Merason Dac1 Mkii but am curious about the universe of dacs out there. The share the sentiment that the Merason Dac, at least in my system, has almost an ephemeral quality. I’m not sure how much the other components in my systems play into that, but music is consistently smooth. At moments, I would like a little more “bite”, but I’m not complaining! |
@mitch2 - Thanks for your work on these reviews. I sound myself eagerly waiting the next review like a favorite installment of a radio or tv program. I’m intrigued by the Mojo dacs now! |
@mitch2 - Thanks again for your thoughtful reviews. As mentioned earlier in the thread, I found myself looking forward to each installment! While I’m very happy with my Merason Dac1 MKii for the moment, I’m intrigued by the Mojo dacs based on your review. Out of curiosity, have you had the opportunity to listen to any of the Lampizator Dacs as a point of reference? If so, any thoughts on how they compare to the Mojo and/or Merason dacs? |
@mitch2 - Thanks for your thoughtful reply. The audiophile bug or malady, depending on the day or if my wife is in included in the sample respondents, draws me in with the persistent quest for that elusive auditory nirvana state. The Lampizator’s seem to have a near cult life following, so thank you for the perspective. |
@zmann007 - Let me how things go with the comparison between the Merason and the Mojo Dac. And congrats on your purchase of the Mojo Dac!
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@zmann007 - Let us know when the lotus flower unfolds! |