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Worlds best DAC

Went to CES this year to work on my transition to high Rez digital. I've heard many of the highly regarded players in my room or in others systems in the past. I'm actually very happy with my current cd based sound. As I listened to various DACS playing CD then high Rez, I was not bowled over. High rez was better, but only slightly so. The best (and most different) sound I heard happened to have one similarity. They were 2 non oversampling DACS with tube analog stages(Zanden and Ypsilon). These were without question the most natural sounding digital systems I heard at the show. They made CDsound miles ahead of high Rez. What gives?

PS: I understand the limitations of show auditions.
bflowers

Showing 7 responses by wisnon

wisnon
700 posts
 
Since this thread is about world's best, then you should ask about the best Lampi, which is the Level 7 with DSD!

Only people in Hong Kong have heard it so far, as 3 were initially made and another 3 are on order acording to Lukasz. They are also ordering Transports and demanding GM70 amps as well (even though they were initially only going to be made for Europe).

Another Dac that should go in the mix is the Phasure NOS1, as that is getting great feedback as well.
wisnon
700 posts
 
I heard that the Trinty Dac costs $52K!
wisnon
700 posts
 
Damn right Bill!
wisnon
700 posts
 
Since this thread is about world's best, then you should ask about the best Lampi, which is the Level 7 with DSD!

Only people in Hong Kong have heard it so far, as 3 were initially made and another 3 are on order acording to Lukasz. They are also ordering Transports and demanding GM70 amps as well (even though they were initially only going to be made for Europe).

Another Dac that should go in the mix is the Phasure NOS1, as that is getting great feedback as well.
wisnon
700 posts
 
For sure Not! LoL

Only 3 L7 have so far been delivered and all in Hong Kong.

Aussie getting one in the next batch as well as the USA for the SHOW in Vegas.

I myself would LOVE to hear one, given the feedback I have read.
wisnon
700 posts
 
Bill, dont forget the other side of the equation. Jitter is NOT the be all and end all of good digital. There is also a matter of waveform distortion of the digital and resulting analog signal, which is more in the domain of power supply construction and RFI/EMI pollution. that carries equal weight in my mind. Of course the best Dacs deal with that well.
wisnon
700 posts
 
Bill has the PBD MPD-3.
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