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.
@mitch2 All I can say is wow: terrific undertaking and execution. Thank you! I will be receiving the LTA Aero soon to compare to my PS Audio DSD v2. I am familiar with the 12sn7 tubes and the kind of energized presentation they are capable of. Might need taming a bit for my sensibilities. I am looking forward to tube rolling it. |
@markmuse - Michael Lavorgna at Twittering Machines is planning to post a follow-up review (Part 2) of his LTA Aero based on his tube rolling and what he hears when trying different tubes. Had I been in the market for a DAC in the price range of the Aero, I definitely would have had at least one extra set of tubes ready to try. It is certainly possible that a different set of tubes could improve on what is already a good-sounding DAC. Keep in mind it also uses 6SN7s FWIW. |
@mitch2 Yes, I am aware of that coming review. Wish it was available now. I do have some RCA 12sn7 GTA's and I am looking for some 6 volts now. It also occurred to me that I might try 12au7's with adapters - I have gone the other way with 12sn7's with adapters in my Backert Labs Rhythm, but prefer the slightly more laid back presentation of the 12au7's in it. |
Just to add my 2 cents....I've had the Aero DAC for a few weeks now. I found the unit to be quite musical and enjoyable with the stock tubes. When I tube-rolled a pair of Ken Rad Black Glass WW2 6SN7/231s, the result went to another level. Richer and denser with real slam! Of course this is my preferable listening bias. Cardas Golden Cross cables with a Puritan Ultimate power cord add to this presentation. I only do Red Book via SimAudio 260D transport in this setup. |
