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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
stuartk
2,769 posts
 

@viber6 

Thanks for your suggestions.

I grew up hearing Classical and Broadway. My parents were big Classical music fans, as are my brother and sister. 

 

viber6
2,448 posts
 

stuartk,

Good background.  I don't know where you live, but for decades in NY, radio station WQXR has had the classical countdown before New Years Day, starting about 1 week before, from about 8 AM to midnight.  It was the top 100, but then it became the top 105 when the NY Times owner dropped WQXR, and it went public on 105.9 FM.  You can now listen online.  No. 1 is always Beethoven's Ninth.  No 2 is either Beethoven's Fifth or Dvorak's New World Symphony.  This is an excellent way to re-introduce you to the great classics.  Lately, the list has included smaller scale chamber music.  Small scale chamber music is my favorite, because there is only 1 player on a part compared to orchestra where there are as many as 16 players on 1st violin, 14 players on 2nd violin.  I dislike the chorus effect of many players on a part, which creates sonic smear.  You can appreciate more nuances if there is only 1 player on a part.  Of course, there is less loudness, but in return you get more subtle varied dynamics and of course more overall detail.

Enjoy.

rfagon
34 posts
 

Michael Lavorgna has reviewed Tambaqui, Holo KTE May and Totaldac.

My impression was that he found his Totaldac DAC to sound more realistic than the 

other two; and that he preferred the Tambaqui  to the Holo KTE May. 

I’ve owned the Holo for a couple of years and love it!

audioman58's avatar
audioman58
4,134 posts
 

It’s all about taste , some like a rich tubyness ,

some like every razer sharp detail., a lot has to do with your other equipment  also.

 

stuartk
2,769 posts
 

@rfagon

Michael Lavorgna has reviewed Tambaqui, Holo KTE May and Totaldac. My impression was that he found his Totaldac DAC to sound more realistic than the other two; and that he preferred the Tambaqui to the Holo KTE May.

@audioman58 makes an excellent point. Lavorgna favors tube amplification, so it makes sense that he might also favor a more neutral sounding DAC.

@viber6

Thanks for the suggestions. FYI, I grew up in the lower Hudson valley but now reside in N. CA.

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