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You want a DAC that sounds *different.* What factor helps you find it?

I'm thinking about trying a new DAC, adding one to the stable. 

What's most important is that it sound different than my present DAC.

If you were to look for a new DAC to try, what weight would you assign to each of these factors in predicting a different character of sound? 

1. chipset
2. design of DAC --- R2R etc.
3. power supply
4. tube or no  tube
5. ? (some factor or combination not mentioned)

I've become somewhat skeptical of user reviews because of uncontrollable variability related to tastes, system components, and vagueness of language used by reviewers.

So, without some appreciation of the ability for the above factors to affect the sound character, singling out just one or another factor seems like random guessing.

I'd love to learn from you all. I'd be curious to know, for example, that most R2R DACs sound similar, overall. That would help by directing me away from trying another R2R DAC. Or maybe they don't all sound similar; ok, that keeps them in consideration.

Same question with chipsets, power supply, tube/no tube.

So, again the hypothetical -- simplified:

You want to get a DAC that sounds much different than what you have. What factor helps you find it?

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Showing 1 response by danager

danager's avatar
danager
883 posts
 

What color do tube DACs add?  Green, Blue, Chartreuse?  

Matching the inputs to what your source does best will allow you to realize the full potential of the DAC's presentation.  After that it's  matching a DACs sound presentation  to your system to create your preferred listening environment. 

Whether you use no tubes, all tubes or a mixture to create it,  the  environment you prefer is the only important factor.  You must first decide what you are trying to achieve and then build the "system" to get you there (realizing that along the way your priorities  will probably evolve.)

Changing the DACs sound can be as easy as using a different input or connecting cable.  The source matters and contributes to the presentation and should be the foundation on which you build a digital system.

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