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.
@classicrockfan "Must include the SMSL SUX and Gustard A26... these $1000 Chinese made DACs totally outperform 10X more expensive DACs made in USA or UK" Curious do you have the SMSL and/or Gustard in your system? Also, which specific 10X more expensive DACs have you had in your system; and in what respects the 2 aforementioned outperformed each of the 10X more expensive ones? |
@classicrockfan What’s the problem with naming the USA DAC that presumably was in your system and cost 10 times the cost and underperformed the SMSL? Also, you made the general statement that they outperform 10x more expensive USA and UK DACS, so what are all of those other DACs that you presumably compared the SMSL and Gustard directly to and specifically how did they sound/perform better? If you want people to seriously consider your recommendation provide specifics to support the contention |
@mitch2 "Interesting that you were able to change the sound of the Aero with different tubes.I believe Michael Lavorgna at Twittering Machines was planning to post a Part 2 to his Aero review after trying some tube rolling."
I'd find it interesting if Michael doesn't have different takes on the Aero based upon various tubes given they generally all sound different to one extent or another. I have a Modwright Elysee DAC and tube changes are apparent in it and no different than in my tube preamp or 3 tube integrated amps. |
