Thanks again for the time taken to accomplish such a comprehensive Dac comparison! I am also relieved that my Merason Dac MKII overall sound signature is similar to the excellent Mojo Audio Dac 😁
Wig
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.
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@wig - Thank you for the feedback. It has been satisfying to hear that several folks have used the information from this thread to successfully help with their DAC purchasing decisions. I really enjoyed my time with the Merason DAC1 MkII and I am not surprised to hear that it is an end-game DAC for some. I just found out that I may be getting the opportunity to try out a couple of additional DACs, which I will report on. I can’t say much yet except that one will be at the $10K +/- price point and the other at the sub-$4k price point.
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@mitch2 Although I am very pleased with my new Mojo Mystique X-24AM (which is a product that I was completely unaware of until you did this fantastic writeup of the 6-dac comparison) I’ll look forward to reading your write-ups on the upcoming dac’s. I’m not one to hop from one piece of gear to the next. I do my research, audition, and then select the piece that gives me the emotional connection to the music. When I get it right, I tend to keep that piece for decades. The X-24AM will be that piece for me. However, I still enjoy reading about what else is out there and hearing the passion that people have in their gear and the music that touches their souls. Thank you for introducing me to the Mojo! Best wishes, Don |
@mitch2 Thanks so much for the DM. As expected, your advice/perspective was 100% on the money. Will post once I make the next move (if there is a next move) Many thanks, JAMES. |
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