Lampizator Big7; just sounds like live music, super engaging and alive!
What does your DAC sound like
I’m in the market for a newly used DAC, based on reviews I’m considering the playback designs Merlot, Vermeer, Grimm mu2. I prefer a well balanced sound more analog like. I hoping that user experiences with these dacs OR others that might fit the bill will respond
cheers
Since you haven't given a budget or a system description it's hard to make a specific recommendation but here is my experience with other specific DACs over the last few years. In the order of my experience and expected cost.
1) Lowest cost (no longer in production but findable in the used market) - Oppo 105D, chip based, plays SACD and CD, sounds really good, not the Nth degree of detail or refinement but very pleasing for what it is (a DVD player). If you are managing a budget and still want great sound, highly recommended if you can find one. 2) Out of production but pretty easy to find - PSAudio DirectStream DAC MK1. FPGA based and excellent sounding, adds detail while retaining body and great tonality. Doesn't play disks but a significant step up from the Oppo. Loved the I2S over HDMI. 3) Holo Audio May KTE - R2R, further step up from the PSAudio, but that DAC is still very good. I got more detail without losing the music and body. Great DAC, very flexible array of inputs, separate power supply, built like a tank, aesthetics are of course personal. I used it primarily in NOS mode. 4) Out of production but available - MSB Reference DAC, proprietary ladder design, extraordinary build quality and support. In my system it was a big step up, but the price is really going up now. It allowed my to remove a very expensive preamp which helped with cost. I bought a factory refurbished unit that had been traded in. It looks brand new and has the latest clock and other features. It has a very innovative volume control and XLR inputs that support my analog and sounds great. I would say it is better in all regards but you would expect that. More detail without harshness. Great low end and dynamics. |
I had an MHDT Orchid but the tube took away from the clarity and information though it sounded musical. I am now convinced that DACs with tubes are problematic, often. Next was Bifrost II/64 from Schiit but was a bit harsh. I settled on R2R from Holo Audio, the Spring 3 KTE version. Balanced tonality, very musical with all kinds of recordings, and very wide and deep soundstage. |
I sell Denafrips all their dacs are R2R and a good Sonic value in my other audio system I have a excellent Swiss brand Merason Thst has excellent Analog sound from $9k,6k, and around $2k peach one is class leading ,it willl not do DSD to me kwho cares 99+% are non DSD anyway. Their dacs make you think of music !! |
My Stello DA220 MkII, which is a great sounding DAC, has just been replaced with a Denafrips Pontus 15th, and the difference is staggering. The Pontus is the smoothest, most analogue sounding DAC that I've heard (I haven't heard your 3 examples), and I've even discribed it as almost valve (tube) like in the sound. I hate the PRAT/Musicality words discribing sound, but that's exactly how I would discribe it. Yet it's extremely detailed, with no digital harshness whatsoever. Micro detail everywhere in abundence. The detail, is even present in the superb bass area which goes deep with great texture. From top to bottom it's a revalation - once it's fully run in, which took about 3 weeks. |
@dvdgreco what is your budget? |
The DAC in my WT-95 (modded Oppo-95 by me) sounds the most analog like. https://youtu.be/JLjbLgXM_lw?si=HNUcRuuduUzj8AxO&t=37 https://youtu.be/ADJab9HrXpU?si=z1fjLvf1Zhz3EBuU Grimm MU2: https://youtu.be/NIztJLozENE?si=RDvf-88HfrIbidLo Merlot: https://youtu.be/P5h1VZ-atu8?si=Y9nNYpjhCzAfxn9Q&t=74 Vermeer: https://youtu.be/8SyfQnE1ghc?si=vPNYNpBs3Dxxpn7h&t=26 Alex/Wavetouch audio |