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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
mitch2 OP
4,228 posts
 

Have another comparison currently in process with an Aries Cerat Helene DAC.  Must say, this one requires consideration during set-up and I doubt I am done yet. Not the least of the considerations are the size and weight - the thing weighs 88 pounds!  It has three tubes and a user adjustable bias that does indeed change the presentation.  Cables matter too since it is really a single-ended unit and is said to sound best with single-ended output cables.

All I can say for now is that IMO this is a real contender in my system.  I am not surprised that it doesn't totally change the sound of my system compared to other DACs I have had here, but it does do some things very nicely.  Here are a couple of links to additional information (link 1) and some great pictures (link 2).

soix
10,172 posts
 

Look forward to your thoughts/comparisons, but at $19k it better do many things very nicely. 

grannyring's avatar
grannyring
6,603 posts
 

I also look forward to your comments.  I think you will end up finding it is the best dac for you thus  far in your quest!  Let us know if it just transports you more into the music with realism.  I mean that flesh and blood kind of organic sound that just arrests your senses and captures  your entire  listening space! 

hbarrel's avatar
hbarrel
420 posts
 

Before ever encountering this thread I decided to bring in a Linear Tube Audio Aero DAC for the offered 15 day trial.

Right now, after three days of extensive listening sessions, trying different connects and cables. (XLR vs RCA) comparing my current DAC to the LTA…

Was planning to roll in 6S7N Rays Ultimate tubes but the box they came in remains unopened. Already had a matched pair of Tung-Sol 6S7GTP tubes and they went in the place the stock Westinghouse 12SN7 and happy with what I am hearing.

The bass is more refined, the mids more articulate. Overall pleasing which I believe is a baseline in this world.  
Cost is a consideration. Is buying a DAC better than what my system is capable of producing counter productive?

I think DAC’s might be like trying to pick out the best television in Best Buy. You can go in and stare at them, read reviews, bla bla bla, Regardless of which television is brought home we come to accept it and think all is good.
Buy the best you can afford.

 

no_regrets
549 posts
 

@mitch2 

I'm looking forward to reading about your experiences with the Helene vs your Mojo Mystique.

I just got back from spending 4 days at the AXPONA Show near Chicago.  I heard a lot of systems over the few days that I was there.  There were systems that were moderately priced to the insanely exhorborantly priced of well over 2 million dollars!

It was a great reminder to me that we need to check our preconceived notions at the door.  Take the price of the component/system out of the equation and just simply listen with our ears, not our brain.  Does the system connect with your emotions?  Does it touch your soul?

Don't let the cost of the component/s or the number of boxes, etc cloud your perceptions of what it may or may not sound like.

I heard the multibox MSB, DCS, WADAX, etc and also Benjamin's Mojo Mystique.and I have to say that I am very impressed with the quality of sound that the Mojo puts out in such a small and unassuming box and for just a small fraction of the price of the aforementioned digital behemoths.

It made me very happy that I had recently purchased a new Mystique X-24AM from Benjamin just a few months ago.  I don't feel that I am missing anything sound wise, nor do I have to contend with multiple huge boxes, extra expensive cables, worrying about the space they would take up or if my equipment stands would handle their excessive weight, etc.

Sadly, Aeries Cerat was not at the show, so I didn't have the opportunity to hear the Helene.

I've read many positives things about the AC dac, so I'm very interested in your thoughts after comparing the two dacs.  You always do a fantastic job with your descriptions.... you're  very articulate and a gifted writer and I trust that you will be a strait shooter as you have been throughout this very informative, multi-page thread.

Best wishes.

Don

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