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The big DAC decision

One of the challenges of building an audio system is trying to make sure that all of the individual components of that system have equivalent and compatible technical specifications. For example, it doesn’t make sense to purchase speakers that are capable of producing sound in the 5Hz to 20kHz range if your amp is only capable of sending audio signals in the 30Hz to 15kHz range to these speakers. Unless, of course, you hope to upgrade your audio system such that it can properly drive these speakers someday.

In my desire to build an audio system that has the proper balance of individual component capabilities I’ve found myself struggling over the choice of a DAC. Basic technical specifications aren’t necessarily applicable here. The foundation of my system is a Woo Audio WA-33 headphone amp and Focal Utopia headphones. My music files consist of standard CD 16bit/44kHz resolution to Hi-Res DSD files. What I’m struggling with is choosing a DAC that would allow me to get the most out of this amp and headphone pairing. From the research I’ve done so far it is clear that the $23k Meridian Audio Ultra DAC would bring out the best of any system it is connected to. But does it make sense to purchase a DAC of this quality (and price) for my humble headphone system? Or would it be more appropriate to get the Chord DAVE (setting the MQA format compatibility issue aside for this discussion)? I’m currently using an Oppo 105D as my DAC and the music sounds pretty decent, but I know my system can sound better.

So I was hoping to get some input from fellow audio enthusiasts out there to make what may be the most important decision of my system build. I’m also looking at getting a PS Audio DirectStream Power Plant 12 to power this system. Anyone out there have any suggestions or thoughts on this issue?


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1graber2's avatar
1graber2
303 posts
 
OP ... dont overlook the Schiit stuff: the true multibit players:
the Yggdragil or the Gungnir. 

dont be fooled by the prices .. they are direct-seller, no stores or middlemen, so sell at about 1/2 price of what a brick and mortar seller would charge. 

jasonsim
113 posts
 
I just received a PS Audio DirectStream Junior (DSj) and putting it through it's 250 hour burn in.  I'm at 72 hours and it sounds amazing!  I also like that it is completely upgradable, has the built in bridge, can unfold MQA and can use Roon!  The Chord Dave is also FPGA (upgradable), but doesn't do MQA and no bridge so you need another box to do the streaming (be it a computer, Aurender, etc).  I still think the DAC in my Esoteric K-05 SACD player is better than the DSj.  I'll leave final judgement until after full burn in of the DSj.  However, I really don't care, if it isn't better.  It still sounds awesome, makes life easier and is future proof.  Did I mention that it has auto select input...that is an awesome feature; to-die-for feature for coach potatoes!  

Maybe the Dave is better, maybe the Lumin is better.  Lets face it though, there are Esoteric and dCS DACs that are in the 40K price range that are also better.  
seegs108's avatar
seegs108
8 posts
 
You owe it to yourself to hear a Directstream Sr. Much better DAC overall.
hughp3's avatar
hughp3
75 posts
 
For what it’s worth I tried a AR dac8 against my Cullen modified PS audio Dac. The AR was very good, very black background but the Cullen was more lively especially with bass so kept it. 8k vs 2k. Need to try home demo to know...
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