System
My digital front end is described below. The analog portion of my system (after the DAC) can be seen on my virtual system page.
My sole music source is digital and results from streaming Tidal or Qobuz, or from accessing stored digital music files that I have ripped from my CDs. I use Roon to control the music selections and as my user interface.
I use a separate server and streamer with the server consisting of a SGC sonicTransporter i9 (Gen 4) that stores my music files on a SSD and runs Roon core. It is located in a “network” room, which also includes my cable modem and router. The i9 is connected to an optical switch as is my router and a 45-foot long fiber optic cable connecting my streamer. The Ethernet output from my router is isolated optically prior to arriving at the switch. The cable modem, router, switch and converters are all powered by linear power supplies and all of those items, plus the i9, are connected to a single, dedicated 20A line.
My streamer is a Sonore Signature Rendu SE Optical that runs Roon Ready and is located in the same room as my main system. It uses a fiber optic input (from the network room) and outputs via USB into a Singxer SU6 DDC. The SU6 is powered from a supercapacitor that is recharged by an outboard linear power supply. The SU6 offers a variety of (live) outputs allowing me to connect three or four DACs at the same time. All of the DACs utilize the same balanced analog outputs to my preamp.
Digital cables include a Totaldac filtered USB cable or Network Acoustics Muon USB cable, S/PDIF cables by Oyaide (5N Silver) or Canare, and a TWL AES/EBU cable. None of the DACs compared accept an I2S input.
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If you never listened to any how would you know? Maybe there is. 'Thomas and stereo' has reviewed and compared some of these Chi-Fi dacs very favorably with much pricier units placed in higher end systems. His reviews were very positive.
I have listened to many expensive DACs throughout the years. The OP cited John Atkinson’s opinion of the Benchmark based on quantitative measurements, not subjective quality. At this point I think it’s safe to presume you don’t know the difference between objective and subjective analysis. Yeesh…
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The OP cited John Atkinson’s opinion of the Benchmark based on quantitative measurements, not subjective quality.
@helomech - That is true but Jim Austin’s “subjective” listening review compared it favorably with his PS Audio DirectStream DAC and, in this follow-up review, John Atkinson spoke very favorably about the sound of the Benchmark DAC3 B in his system, concluding with, “Highly recommended for Class A+ in Stereophile's Recommended Components”
That said, while my listening so far has me surprised at how much I like the sound of the DAC3, it will probably not be my favorite out of the group. Nonetheless, if I only had $2K to spend the DAC3 would almost be a no-brainer. Keep in mind though, all of this is viewed through the lenses of partnering equipment and listener preferences.
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This is a pedantic discussion of aspects of sound reproduction that is almost totally irrelevant to how "lifelike" a DAC or system sounds. The ASR "BS" and "measurements" bear almost no relationship to how "lifelike" and "real" a DAC or system sounds, or how "musical" it sounds - there are many more aspects of the sound produced that are not subject to the "metrics."
It is far, far more meaningful to focus on how a DAC and system sounds to the specific listener, and on the system matching / synergies and how "lifelike" it sounds. In fact, the harmonics and distortion a DAC or system produces often contributes to the how "lifelike" and musical the sound is (e.g. as with tube components and systems, or ladder DAC's, etc.).
Move on to those other threads that focus on those aspects and forget the ASR "BS" and measurements - they are irrelevant!
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Each dac will have something different to offer ,many times measured performance
doesnot guarantee better sound like other forums like ASR
totally off eye a $700 topping dac measures better then many but doesnot have much life more neutral and on not-so good recordings far worse.
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@bassdude - Please take your playbook, your mission and your own advice and, "move on to those other threads."
This thread has nothing to do with ASR, measurements only, or any of the other crap people here use to drive a wedge. The discussion was about one DAC out of six being compared that happens to have the combination of good measurements, a low price, and positive comments from a variety of reviewers. I found it to sound pretty good in my own system, even compared to the other five DACs. The Tambaqui exhibits good measurements too and has many who appreciate the sound (although it does cost quite a bit). I sold mine because I didn't find it quite as musical in my system as other DACs I own. Please go find a Tambaqui thread to inhabit or start your own.
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The best value piece of the bunch is tge new Aero at 4 grand....and, depending on your taste, maybe the best sounding. A friend has the Aero and uses NOS 6SN7'S and it sounds very very nice. He actually had a Benchmark and, for him, it was no contest. It's an excellent piece. Best of luck.
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That Merason DAC1 MkII has been highly reviewed and is known for a natural sound. Same as the Mojo. A good mix of DAC's here to compare.
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@mitch2 agreed on DAC3. It’s a good DAC but long term didn’t do it for me.
So what’s the conclusion on the shootout?
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The comparison is ongoing. I am not rushing things and have other things going on like home projects and bike rides while the weather holds. I just retired last month so I am catching up on a long delayed to-do list of stuff while still occasionally consulting.
I am continuing to listen to all of the six DACs while zeroing in on about a dozen music tracks that I will mostly use in the comparisons. I will post those selections here. I will also post some background on DACs I have previously owned that may serve as a basis for my impressions.
I am still considering how to post my observations and may post a separate piece on each individual DAC with a final summary on how they compare with each other relative to my musical preferences, which of the DACs I like best, and the reasons why.
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Congratulations on your retirement!!!
I’ll keep an eye on the thread for updates. Thanks
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Following, I will be interested to hear your thoughts on the Merason in comparison to the others.
Congratulations on your retirement. I am in year three and wonder how I ever found time for a job.
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@zlone
I am in year three and wonder how I ever found time for a job.
I hear that a lot and starting to understand - crazy!
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I agree 100% about "wonder how I ever found time for a job". I am in retirement year 6 and it has been a great ride. Developing my new audio system, fishing for big tuna and yellowtail, and skiing only on weekdays (no more weekends
or holidays). I will soon be developing my digital front end and am following this thread. The LTA Aero has my attention, quite favorably. I will audition it next weekend at the Pacific Audio Fest, in Seattle. @mitch2 thank you very much for such an immense effort. I look forward to your further analysis and reports.
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And Mitch, a big CONGRATULATIONS on your recent retirement. Enjoy it in great health.
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@mammothguy54 - thank you, and glad you can still enjoy the things you love to do.
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@thegoldengoose .......Totally Agree. You want a Musical sound...where the artist and band are right there in the listening room....you need to spend 10K minimum.....until recently. How about a 10K DAC on sale for $2,700..I didn't believe it, so I ordered it. It's TRUE!
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@curiousjim drop an IRIS DDC in front of your Pontus II. You may decide no need to upgrade.
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I use an Iris 12th DDC in front of my Audio Mirror DAC. Makes a very noticeable improvement.
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@mitch2 - Looking forward to your observations on the DACS under review. I’ve just upgraded my Merason Dac to the MKii version and I’m very happy with it. I am curious about your assessment of the new LTA DAC. I have an LTA preamp and I love it.
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@mitch2 - I’m also looking forward to your personal experiences with your listed DACS. I just upgraded my Merason DAC1 to the mkii version and am absolutely delighted with how it sounds in my system. That said, would love to hear your perspective on how it sounds in comparison to the others, especially the new LTA DAC.
I have the LTA preamp and love it.
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Having just read this thread, it seems as if many comments are responding to the wrong thread.
@mitch2 Thanks for spending the time and effort to provide your listening impressions. I have a DAC3 that you are listening to and am interested to your impressions. It is my oldest component and might be the next upgrade.
If you have time will you post the tracks you are listening to as test tracks. Hardware is great, however I am always looking for different songs.
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@mitch2 Out of curiosity what DAC's have you had in the past before the six DAC's you are comparing. I know you have said you love the Mojo Audio and SMc DAC's. What other DAC's have they bested.
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Hi everyone.
This is Benjamin from Mojo Audio, the designer of the Mystique line of DACs.
I just wanted to give you a bit of a perspective on our DACs and I wanted to offer Mitch one of our new entry-level Mystique Y Fe DACs ($3,999) to add to the comparison. Our new Mystique Y is almost identical in circuit, power supply, component parts, and chassis to our award-winning Mystique X, but sells for about half the price. Certainly more in line with the cost of other DACs in his comparison.
First thing I wanted to say is that we don't use any "voicing" to make our DACs sound a certain way. Our main design criteria is harmonic coherency: if the harmonic structure of the notes align from the lowest lows to the highest highs then it simply has to be correct. This is what gives the music proper time, tune, texture, timbre, musical flow, emotional content, and all of those other adjectives music lovers are looking for.
The unique thing about all of our DACs is that we use LC choke input power supplies which are the largest, heaviest, least efficient, and most expensive power supply typology. The LC choke input power supply was developed by Western Electric and Bell Labs about 100 years ago, and unless the laws of physics have changed in the past 100 years, it is still the only power supply typology to provide instantaneous effortless power.
The capacitive power supplies used in most DACs don't store current the way a choke/capacitor power supply does resulting in the music being off time and tune and corrupting the harmonic structure. The more energy a note requires, such as a belting vocal or a booming bass note, the more off time and tune that note is from the rest of the music.
When people talk about how organic and natural our DACs sound what they are actually hearing is the coherent harmonic structure and harmonic alignment we get from our LC choke input power supplies.
Also don't be confused: those tiny high-frequency filter chokes that are about the size of a jellybean companies like LTA use to filter out HF noise from their switch-mode power supplies are nothing like the massive Lundahl chokes with exotic core materials we use in the linear power supplies in our DACs.
The shrimp and steak served off the steam tables in those all-you-can-eat restaurants are not the same shrimp and steak you get at a 5-star restaurant.
Another thing I wanted to touch on are bench test specifications such as the ones done by Stereophile magazine. Those tests are not incorrect, but they are incomplete, and they are often inaudible. Stereophile has named our Mystique X SE a "B" class recommended component for the past two years. Our "B" rating was due to our bench test measurements not being up with many of their favorites like the Benchmark DACs.
Of course the "less than" specifications are all inaudible. For example, John Atkins criticized our Mystique X SE for only resolving 18-bits of resolution yet he has also stated that he's never measured any recording with more than 18-bits of resolution. And despite claiming 24-bits most good recordings actually have less than 10-bits of resolution.
The important take away is that the Reviewer from Stereophile found that our DAC sounded better than anything he compared it to. How is that possible if the bench test measurements were audible?
My favorite analogy in regards to bench test measurements being incomplete is this: picture a sphere, a cylinder, and a cone. All could look identical when measured in two-dimensions but all look quite different when measured in three-dimensions.
In any event, I would like to invite all of you to take advantage of our 45-day no-risk audition and hear one of our DACs in your system. I can honestly say that I can count on one hand with fingers left over the number of DACs we get returned for refund in any given year.
And I can honestly say that literally half the reviewers or editors from the magazines who reviewed our DACs ended up purchasing the demo unit as their digital reference. I think that says it all.
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Hello Benjamin. I hope things are well. My comparison includes two of your best DACs but as you point out, the Mystique Y Fe would be a much closer competitor to the LTA Aero since they are basically the same price. Of the six DACs currently in this comparison, only the Benchmark costs less. The SMc would be the next higher priced but attaching a number to it is hard since it is not a regular offering and I know they put a lot of extra effort into it. It would be at least 50% more than the Aero and your Y Fe. The Merason is $8,500 and your other two DACs probably originally listed/retailed for north of $10K with the (unobtainable) Z-chips and the NC chokes. You have shared before that you believe the Y Fe punches well above its weight and provides much of the benefits of your other DACs at a much lower price.
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@fuzzbutt17
It’s an intelligent design. Can you explain more about what you mean in the differences of how a pure C vs CLC power supply store energy?
”The capacitive power supplies used in most DACs don't store current the way a choke/capacitor power supply does resulting in the music being off time and tune and corrupting the harmonic structure. The more energy a note requires, such as a belting vocal or a booming bass note, the more off time and tune that note is from the rest of the music.”
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@ Mitch2
The Mystique EVO Pro (2018-2020) originally sold for $11,999 and with the Z chip upgrade it would have been $12,999.
Originally we sold the Mystique X SE for $9,999 and the NC nano crystal core choke and Z chip upgrades are $2,500 making that DAC $12,499.
But due to higher sales volumes our manufacturing costs have gone down so we lowered our prices.
Our new Mystique X AM (2024) with amorphous core chokes is identical to our Mystique X SE (2021-2023) and sells for only $8,499. And our new Mystique X NC with nano crystal core chokes sells for only $9,999.
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@ gavin1977
CLC is an excellent power supply and also stores energy similar to an LC power supply but the LC is still slightly better.
With an LC power supply the rectification multiplier from AC to DC is only .9 vs 1.414 with a capacitive or CLC power supply. That means the power transformer has to be 50% larger and heavier. Some would call this "electrical torque."
The size of the choke can be significantly smaller in a CLC power supply to achieve the same inductive reactance which is also a cost, size, and weight saving.
The crest factor in an LC power supply, meaning the peaks and valleys of the DC after rectification, is literally 50% that of a capacitive or CLC power supply. That means the capacitors have literally half as much work to do.
The heat in an LC power supply is 50% of a capacitive or CLC power supply making them last significantly longer.
And an LC power supply has the highest impedance to AC and lowest impedance to DC of any power supply typology making it the most tolerant of AC noise and providing the most effortless power to DC.
Because a CLC power supply is considerably smaller, lighter weight, and less expensive to manufacture, they are significantly more popular than the LC.
Of course because a capacitive power supplies are even smaller, lighter, and less expensive to manufacture, they are the most popular.
The funny thing is that since nearly all high-end audio electronics use capacitive power supplies everyone is used to hearing the time and tune distortion so very few people notice it.
You should see people's jaws drop at audio shows when I play them 1940's and 1950's recordings that were made with LC choke input power supplies in the recording studios. When played on one of our DACs the difference between them and modern recordings made with capacitive power supplies is unmistakable.
Very few companies aside from those who manufacture the best-of-the-best of tube amps use LC or CLC power supplies.
Recently a few companies, such as Schiit and Musical Fidelity, are making solid-state power amps with LC choke input power supplies (kudos!).
The ridiculous thing is that the laws of physics are identical with micro amps and mega amps so it always makes me wonder why these same companies who apparently know the benefits of chokes in a power supply are not putting them in the preamps and DACs they manufacture.
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@fuzzbutt17 Thank you for the explanation of power supplies. I read your post a few time over and just want to clarify a few things and ask some question? LC power supplies are power supplies with large chokes? CLC power supplies are made of just capacitors. To determine if it is an LC power supply you just look for the large chokes? Some people talk about moving towards tube DAC's because of timing timbre harshness etc. In some of these DAC's they have the LC power supply which is correcting time timber etc. What do you think the tube is doing in these DAC's? Does the tube cover some of the bad stuff in the CLC power supply?
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Moving along with the DAC comparisons, I have provided a (rather long) summary of my digital audio background below.
Background
My background in digital audio started with CD players by Dennon, Theta, Pioneer, and others, and then later the top players from Lector, Ayre, and Muse. The next step was to use a CD transport into a separate DAC (Assemblage 3.1) and then later a modified Mac mini serving digital files to a DAC. I remember the Assemblage 3.1 (along with their D2D-1 converter) sounding relatively musical and looking back, there seemed to be a lot of attention to the power supply as well as using a Burr-Brown DF1704 24/96 digital filter and a pair of the Burr-Brown PCM 1704 24/96 DAC chips per channel. One of my Lector players used a BB PCM63 DAC chip and I remember how musical that player sounded, as well as perceiving a more detailed but somehow less organically musical sound after “upgrading” to their newer model that used the PCM1704 chip.
Next, I moved to a couple of mid-priced DACs such as Ayre’s QB-9 DSD but still found the sound somewhat “digital” compared to my Lector and Muse CD players. After reading Srajan Ebaen’s 6moons review of the Metrum Acoustics NOS R2R mini Octave DAC, I purchased the Metrum Octave, then their Hex, and then moved up to their flagship Pavane and later Adagio. I enjoyed those Metrum Acoustics DACs, and particularly the Pavane, and perceived R2R DACs as having a more realistic and less electronic sounding presentation compared to others, like the Ayre, but I wanted something with a bit more meat on the bone, or maybe a bit richer tonality. Benjamin Zwickel, proprietor/designer at Mojo Audio, had tricked out my Mac mini as a music server so, after reading a very positive review by Jeremy Kipnis at Enjoy the Music about Mojo Audio’s Mystique v3, with its five choke input power supplies and AD1862N DAC chips, I decided to give it a try. Kipnis said this about the v3,
“A rare and breathtakingly seamless emotional connection with the music and sounds being produced. It repeatedly allowed me to feel the sound in a tactile, visceral, and meaningful way, that is both alive and reminiscent of the best analog sources I have had the pleasure of hearing and working with.”
My time with the Mojo Audio Mystique v3 convinced me that I could indeed be satisfied with the sound I was hearing from my digital source. However, Benjamin does not sit still so to keep up I moved up the Mojo Audio line to the Mystique B4B21 and then the (previous) flagship Mystique EVO Pro, which IMO is the pinnacle of the design that began with the v3.
A short time later, Mojo Audio came out with a similar but somewhat new design, predicated at least in part by their need to change the casework on their DACs. They christened the new DAC the Mystique X (for extruded case). After reading another round of positive reviews for that newest Mojo Audio DAC, I purchased a Mystique X SE. In short, I still preferred the sound of the EVO Pro over the X SE, and so I sold my X SE. After discussing this with Benjamin, I learned about limited edition Z-chips that Benjamin was putting into some of his DACs as a premium offering (AD1862N-Z chips were originally used in higher end Dennon CD players), and so I opened up the EVO Pro and sure enough, I found Z-chips.
I have been happy to sit tight with the Mystique EVO Pro and enjoy the music. However, I sometimes like to try new stuff so I took an opportunity to purchase a Mola Mola Tambaqui, which I owned for a couple of months over the holidays. Even compared to the Tambaqui, I still liked the natural sound of the Mojo Audio EVO Pro DAC better, so I sold the Tambaqui.
More recent opportunities resulted in my accumulation of the DACs I am currently comparing:
- I purchased a Benchmark DAC3 HGC from a local seller to use in my outdoor system,
- Steve and Patrick at SMc Audio completed a long-running DAC project for me (that I had sort of forgotten about) and exceeded all expectations with the DAC-2 GT-24 that I received earlier this year,
- I purchased another Mystique X SE, when one became available for sale that included both Z-chips and Lundahl nanocrystalline core (NC) chokes,
- I was interested in what I had been reading about the Merason DAC and took an opportunity to purchase a Merason DAC1 MkII, and
- After reading Terry London’s very positive review of the Linear Tube Audio Aero DAC, his posts on the LTA Aero thread on this site, and looking into the LTA trial policies, I decided to give one a try so I currently have one here on trial.
Sorry for such a long-winded background write-up but hopefully it provides context regarding my digital source and DAC journey up to this point.
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Thanks for all the great info and follow up, but this is such a tease! 😜 Really looking forward to your thoughts, and Mojo is now back on the short list for my next DAC upgrade — very interesting about the choke power supply. My main concern with Mojo is I’m a stickler for upper octave detail/air, sound of stick hitting the cymbal, etc. and was concerned their DACs might be a little soft sounding up there for my tastes, but I guess we’ll see…
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@soix - Sorry to drag this out but comparing six different DACs takes more time than I allotted! It might have been better (certainly easier) to compare two of them and then two more, and then two more, and then the three that I liked most and then the three I liked least. However, unlike a playoff, the goal is not to pick a "winner," but rather to simply report observations. I did post a picture of five of the DACs on my system page. The Mojo Audio Mystique X SE NCZ is not in my system right now as I do not have room, so I will move it in later.
A couple of early observations would include that they all sound good, just different. There is not a single one of the six that I couldn't live with in my system, but I do like several better than the others. My preferences are most likely related to the music I listen to and the sonic preferences I prefer from my system. In my previous post, when I talked about liking a richer tone than I was getting from the Metrum Acoustics DACs, in general, the six DACs here do provide that.
Another observation is that IMO the professional reviews of these DACs accurately portray what I am hearing - mostly. I would say there are embellishments and, as well, there are times you must read between the lines or pick-up on subtleties within the review but, in general, I would say the reviews are accurate. The specific SMc Audio DAC-2 that I have here has not actually been reviewed, but the previous "Ultra DAC" iteration received an extremely positive (almost too much so) review years ago at 6moons. While constructed from the same platform, the DAC-2 that I have here is different, and is supposed to sound better.
When I get down to discussing my specific observations and comparisons, I do not intend to reinvent the wheel and will probably quote some of those existing reviews.
I will also share that I really wanted to like the Merason but didn't like it so well at first. However, the more I listened, the more I liked it and now, even if it doesn't turn out to be my favorite, I do find it hard to switch to something else. It is just so easy to listen to and displays this rich sounding musicality on just about every type of music I throw its way. It is also absolutely unflappable, regardless of how hard you push it.
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Great info. As a former reviewer I’d make two observations FWIW:
- We as humans are inherently awful at judging a piece of equipment on its own, which is why I regard reviews that don’t include comparisons to anything else (looking at you TAS) as next to useless and likely inaccurate or at least potentially misleading.
- We are likewise awful at trying to compare more than two variables at once, and IME this is especially true with audio equipment.
So the takeaways would be that you doing these comparisons is hugely useful for relative perspective and why so many here are so eagerly awaiting your thoughts/impressions, and take the time to compare each DAC directly to the other because trying to infer firm conclusions from indirect comparisons could easily lead to erroneous findings (been there, done that). Again, FWIW.
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Hello everyone,
I would like to chime in as audiophile and manufacturer. I've been audiophile for over 40 yrs. I started building audio equipment in 1984. Everything I build, I build it for myself first. If I like it(if passes my taste - listening test), it becomes a product I sell. So
I would like to give my two cents. DAC chips make difference. Output section and power supply too. Parts quality also. If I have to define which one does what:
DAC chip - tonality, musicality and 20-25% of the sound
Output section - clarity, resolution, soundstage, dynamics, coloration and 40-50% of the sound
Power supply(mostly on the digital part) and parts quality - transparency, resolution, liquid and easy flowing sound, less harshness and 20-30% of the sound.
I would love to have you guys audition and evaluate my Audio Mirror - Tubadour V DAC.
Vlad
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@mitch2 - No easing into retirement for you my friend! You have Benjamin and now Vlad at Audio Mirror wanting you to review their latest. I predict that Lukasz at Lampizator will be posting shortly with his thoughts & requests 
At this rate you may be tuning into a part time/full time DAC reviewer. Net is that this is positive news for those of us interested in the thoughts of a knowledgable common sense audiophile relating to a few select DAC's of YOUR choosing!
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Yes, the Merason Dac1 is a wonderful sounding Dac and took a good friends advice as he said it's overall sound signature was spot on with his top of the line Mojo Dac at half the price...
I had my MKI updated to MKII and it exceeded the SQ of my wonderful SW1X III+ DHT Tube Dac; the Merason just captured more ambiance, spatial cues and space...
Wig
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I’m really looking forward to Mitch’s observations.
@mitch2 - Would you consider adding the Audio Mirror Tubadour DAC to your review if Vlad was willing to send it to you?
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@soix - I have been thinking about your suggestion and I agree - comparing them all at once is not going to move things forward. Therefore, I will use the Mojo Audio Mystique EVO Pro DAC as my baseline, since I am most familiar with it, and then compare the others to that DAC, one at a time. Michael Lavorgna at Twittering Machines does something similar when he compares whichever DAC he is reviewing at the time to his reference totaldac d1-unity.
@bluethinker @audiomirror - The Audio Mirror Tubadour DAC seems to have many satisfied owners based on the posts I have read. I hadn't intended to expand my listening comparison beyond the DACs I originally listed, but I am always interested in hearing new products. I appreciate your suggestion that I give the Tubadour a try, but it would probably be best if I work my way through the DACs I have here now first. I will certainly keep it in mind.
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Put a Denafrips IRIS in front of your Pontus before you switch out DACs, I think you’ll find it $500 well spent and cheaper than a new DAC. Definitely a sonic upgrade.
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What I have realised is that everything matters @trivema
The server/DDC, the power cables and conditioning used, interconnects also have a strong influence. In a very revealing system you can adjust the sound from a DAC in a noteworthy manner, from musical to analytical, changes in soundstage and clarity etc…
I just wish I had all the ‘best’ items feeding a DAC, because then we’d know how well it scales. Some DACs can be unimpressive if unoptimised.
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@gavin1977 indeed everything does matter, the IRIS in front of a Pontus II gave me 20% improvement, installing a dedicated power line from the panel with a true earth ground and higher grade copper outlets for all the system power another 10%, fiber optic internet with a high quality router, separate industrial grade Ethernet switch box, all with their own linear power supplies, perhaps another 5%+, all subjective of course. I have less than $2k in the above tweaks for a significant upgrade in SQ. Plus hours moving speakers around with a tape measure and laser pointer. Even a quarter inch here or there can make a difference. The Klipsch finally disappear, especially at night with the lights off!
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The present options to have Three Sources for replaying recorded, that have a large volume of relatively easy to acquire recordings available, when used an a Standalone Source, or in conjunction with each other. All require different considerations to attain the best from each as a method to produce the signal to be further processed to add gain to become an end sound.
I strictly keep the experience of listening to recorded music in keeping with my thoughts about being able to encounter Live Music Performances, which is the pursuit is to be entertained.
When listening to live music, I might have an input into how I experience the music, i.e, where I may be located in the Venue, and what mindset I will have when at the event. Beyond that there is very little control, everything else to be experienced is the design of others.
With Audio Devices and Recorded Music to be replayed, there is much more choice. The recording chosen, producer of recording chosen, the Genre, the Source used to create the signal for the audio system to process. The choices are endless.
The question is how much of the experiencing different options is actually a form of entertainment. I know from my own experiences had in this area, the time spent comparing can develop into becoming laborious and all the stimulus that can be had from listening to music, is at risk of being lost.
There is always change to be found, put one Source Item on a selection of different mounting devices and change is disenable. Same outcome can be speedily discovered for swapping umbilical's between Source and Amplification.
Once more from experiences had, In a room with a Group, getting all present to be unanimous in their findings and assessment is quite a challenge. The idea is not to be unanimous, the idea is to learn how each individual is discovering their stimulation and where they are seeing attraction. I am only party to witnessing this unanimous from a Group on a few occasions following multiples of attending meet ups where Group assessments were to occur over many many years.
Within my own Local HiFi Group, there are regular meet ups made to carry out comparisons, both Digital and Analogue Sources along with supporting devices to enable them to be used. Within Group discussion at the time of the meeting and the courteous follow up mails that come through after the get together, clearly shows there is a broadness in the ideas formed about the experience had, in some cases from individuals with a very healthy experiences of audio equipment, the thoughts shared are quite alien to ones own.
I have no concerns for the assessments being reported on in this thread, I am encouraging of it. What I do not see is consistency in the reports that are possibly to follow from others sharing on an experience had. The Individual undertaking this Threads assessments will prove to be a valuable aid in steering others towards a DAC to be experienced. The idea of another discovering the like for like for their own report, if presented, is where the reports on experiences had, have the potential to become quite varied and not containing content that is matching.
Today I am more interested in the social aspect of what my interest in audio equipment used for replaying recorded music can bring into my life, very similar to how I experience live music throughout my life, it has never been a sole experience. The person who wrote " Comparison is the Thief of Joy" even though not being about audio in its context, certainly has created a saying that is worthy of taking on board when getting bogged down in audio equipment.
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@pindac Many thanks for your wise post and your gentle admonition to re-focus on what matters first: The music.
I am currently in the midst of spending far too much time researching the system I haven’t put together yet, and this is what I needed to hear. Thanks again.
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The person who wrote " Comparison is the Thief of Joy" even though not being about audio in its context, certainly has created a saying that is worthy of taking on board when getting bogged down in audio equipment.
I’ll counter with “Ignorance is bliss.” One person’s “bogged down” is another’s valuable opportunity to learn very helpful and useful information, especially in the context of this thread. I choose to continually learn and enjoy doing it, but that’s me.
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@mitch2 You certainly have major task in front of you here. I'm just in beginning process of comparing three different dacs, two being new purchases. What I've discovered is leveling the playing field is very difficult. I will be testing a single R2R dac to two sabre chip dacs, these sabre chip dacs usb likely to be optimal input, I2S for R2R. And then my system presently already optimized for usb, will be purchasing one of two top DDC;s in order to provide optimal I2S.
So, you're using Singxer SU-6 which I previously owned, while this is one ot the better DDC, there's still better out there, examples being Denafrips Gaia or Musician Phoenix. And then we have the question of optimizing usb inputs as well. Herein lies the problem when trying to compare dacs, optimizing inputs is the single largest variable in attempting to provide level playing field and extract maximum potential from all dacs.
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@trivema
I’ve thought about it, but haven’t. Mine is the original Pontus ll and besides some minor updates, the basic design is still the same. I’m gonna keep looking for now, but Maybe if a used one popped up, I might jump on it.
Thanks.
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@mitch2
I’m looking forward to your report and not only because we appear to have similar tastes in home decor. I expect my next upgrade will be the DAC.
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I don't care what my Lampizator Poseidon measures, it's the best DAC for my system. My second system has a great DAC (and great measuring DAC as well) which is 70% as good and certainly as enjoyable, small and really cheap now that it has been discontinued (half a dozen rave reviews), the Topping D70s. To really beat the cheap Chinese DACs, one generally has to spend a lot of money. Haven't heard the Schitt units but their new transport for $1200 is great, the Urd.
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You really need to put a hundred hours on each DAC as well. Are they new units or 2nd hand?
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