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Is there a DAC ranking list?

This is a follow up from my previous thread seeking more definition and presence in my music.  Among other ideas, I was advised to get a new DAC and several brands were tossed out from $100 to $1700+. The world of DAC’s is large, and I’m wondering if there’s a ranking list for them, similar to Crinicles list for earphones.  I especially like the value ratings on that list, such as “Redefines the price bracket.”

Here’s a recap of my scenario:

I listen to jazz at lower volumes on radio.garden.com via my Apple iPad pro

My room is big, 20ft by 40ft, no carpeting or drapes, with a corner LP triangle

Apple AirPort Express Wireless Router a1392 300Mbps

B & O BeoLab 8000 powered speakers, 10ft from the LP 

Hsu ULS15 Mk II 15in sealed sub imid-room

Paradigm Monitor Series 7 12in sealed sub mid-room via wireless transmitter

Monoprice cables 10ft and 25ft, 22awg, 3.5mm plugs to RCA connections 

I am sure there are many good and great DAC’s out there.  But are there some that punch above their price category?  I also don’t want to pay a premium for one that exceeds the quality capabilities of the rest of my system.

My music sounds “A++” with my Moondrop Blessing headphones, so listening to radio.garden.com on my iPad is giving me the quality of sound that I am seeking for my speakers.

Also, I don’t know if I need a DAC with a preamp or a streamer.  Thx for any ideas you might have that could help me.

128x128tcotruvo
holmz's avatar
holmz
2,328 posts
 

@cd318 I would still like to see some measurements showing impulse response.
The band limiting filters, around 20 kHz, that are used in DACS can give low SINAD for steady state tones, but can cause pre ringing or post ringing.

The multi tine signal graphs may cover that, but I would have to think about it.
And I have an old “pre millennium” CD player, and no state of the art digital.

tony1954's avatar
tony1954
936 posts
 

tcotruvo's avatar
tcotruvo OP
179 posts
 

In my OP I explained that I now stream radio stations on my iPad Pro to an Apple AirPort Express connected to my speakers.  I raised the question whether I need a DAC with a streamer.  Any thoughts?  I ask because I’m not sure what’s the weakest link in my system.

holmz's avatar
holmz
2,328 posts
 

In my OP I explained that I now stream radio stations on my iPad Pro to an Apple AirPort Express connected to my speakers.  I raised the question whether I need a DAC with a streamer.  Any thoughts?  I ask because I’m not sure what’s the weakest link in my system.

If it sounds good to you, then I am not sure that picking at the scab is going to help.

But sometimes people just want to change and upgrade, so there is also that.

Basically there is no right answer here. 

yyzsantabarbara
4,574 posts
 

There cannot be a ranking list for all DACs because DACs are like other gear in that you can categorize them by their design and the likely sound signature based on that design.

You need to figure out what sonic signature you like. If you like warmth, then maybe a tube DAC would be on your top tier while another person may find that type of sound at the bottom tier.

That Absolute Sound review of the Topping D90SE is a good example. It is a super neutral DAC based on an ESS chip. Some people like the detail and clarity from such a DAC while other dislike the sterile sound (no warmth). In the review, the reviewer says something to that effect. If you want neutrality, he thought it was a great DAC.

I have had a few DACs in the last 2 years.

  • Gustard X26 Pro ($1500)
  • Audio Mirror Tubadour III SE ($2800)
  • Benchmark DAC3B ($1700)
  • Topping D90SE ($899)
  • Musetec 005 ($3000)
  • Matrix Audio Mini-I 3 Pro ($1100)

I sold all the DACs except the Benchmark DAC3B and the Musetec 005. I plan on using the DAC3B on a new tube headphone amp so I will need another DAC to replace it. The plan is to get a second Musetec 005.

The DAC3B is neutral and a bit bright. While the 005 has a touch of warmth.

 

 

 

 

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