2. digital
  3. 1354641623

Why do modern DACs over $1,000 sound different?

I was thinking of picking up the new Benchmark DAC2 HGC, the W4S DAC-2, or the Anedio D2. They all seem well engineered, spec out exceptionally well (beyond human hearing), jitter is negligible, and they use the most modern chip sets and techniques. All three sell direct and seem to put the emphasis on design and not athletics (so you’re not paying extra money for markups and audio jewelry). Do they or any well engineered DACs beyond this price range actually sound different in blind testing or is it more brand preference? I read reviews using adjectives such as “analytical”, “detailed”, “dry”, “forgiving”, “bright”, “neutral”, “transparent”, “emotion”, “dark”, “thin”, “disappears”, etc. I would think that they are either accurate or not, so can this really be? I would appreciate some informed comments as to what drives the sound of DACs and any recommendations. Thanks.
cdj123

Showing 2 responses by bhobba

bhobba's avatar
bhobba
303 posts
 
Steve nailed it.

I have done experiments with low jitter sources (an Off-Ramp and Audiophellio). They are both below 10ps, which is very very low, so low you need specialist equipment to measure it, and they sound different.

I have done the experiment with the WFS DAC (as well as others). With the WFS the USB sounds dreadful compared to either the Audiophellio or Off-Ramp with the Off-Ramp sounding the best. In fact the Off-Ramp has slightly worse jitter than the Audiophilleo - so why does it sound better? It has a better spectrum.

In my experience the biggest determinant of sound differences is the jitter of the source. The SABER everyone touts as jitter immune simply isn't - simple as that. This does not mean DAC chip output stage etc do not make a difference - they do - but jitter seems to be the main factor.

For example SABER based DAC's are not my favorite but when fed with a low jitter source I can easily live with them - otherwise I couldn't.

Thanks
Bill
bhobba's avatar
bhobba
303 posts
 
Steve nailed it.

I have done experiments with low jitter sources (an Off-Ramp and Audiophellio). They are both below 10ps, which is very very low, so low you need specialist equipment to measure it, and they sound different.

I have done the experiment with the WFS DAC (as well as others). With the WFS the USB sounds dreadful compared to either the Audiophellio or Off-Ramp with the Off-Ramp sounding the best. In fact the Off-Ramp has slightly worse jitter than the Audiophilleo - so why does it sound better? It has a better spectrum.

In my experience the biggest determinant of sound differences is the jitter of the source. The SABER everyone touts as jitter immune simply isn't - simple as that. This does not mean DAC chip output stage etc do not make a difference - they do - but jitter seems to be the main factor.

For example SABER based DAC's are not my favorite but when fed with a low jitter source I can easily live with them - otherwise I couldn't.

Thanks
Bill
More to discover