2. digital
  3. 179753-139155

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?

128x128hilde45
sgreg1
612 posts
 

If your end goal is to get a DAC with a signature sound you need to focus on the output stage. Weather it is class A or tube output stage you can influence the sound character. I my self want my DAC to be neutral with no sound signature, just want a clear high end delivery of the 1’s and 0’s. I want the tubes in my ore and my speakers to be the influence on the sound.  

Post removed 
rudyb
141 posts
 

When will it be *different* enough?

I'd say, install the free 'Equalizer APO' on your PC / laptop and use it as your digital source for a while, feeding your current DAC. You can now experiment with changing the sound spectrum with unlimited frequency bands to figure out where your preference lies. How to then find a DAC that shows that same behavior ... I don't know. But no one says you can't keep using Equalizer APO. :)

hilde45's avatar
hilde45 OP
4,820 posts
 

@tvad @bigkidz @ghdprentice

Thanks for your replies detailing how overall implementation is the only thing which makes a DAC sound different. So many threads focus on this or that chip or other single factors responsible for achieving something in a DAC, it’s nice to hear your accounts of why a *specific* element is not at work — in your experience.

@pwerahera

You’re unclear about what I mean when I say "different."

I didn’t want to specify what character of sound I’m searching for. I only want to learn what people’s experience is when they came across a DAC which didn’t sound like their other DAC’s.

In other words, I have no specific content in mind for "different." Different just means "different from the DAC in one’s system." If that’s not clear, I don’t know how to explain it further. You’re seeking "natural" in your system; that’s another word which cannot be broken down further, I assume.

@jjss49 Good point about "convergence." After all, if the system is not optimal in the regards you mention, differences may be hiddent by bottlenecks in the system.

@sgreg1 Good point about neutrality. I have a tube DAC now, and I’m curious about other non-tube Dacs. Then again, others have stated here that the specific technology of "tube" doesn’t make a big different (in their experience).

mbmi's avatar
mbmi
455 posts
 

Something to think about.....I have 2-R2R ladder Dacs, one from Denafrips and one from Schiit Audio...was very happy with both until Underwood Wally asked me what Digital coax cable I was using... Pangea $ 80 I told him. He sent me a $500 cable ( discounted of course) and the difference is so great, especially in clarity and soundstage...I'm not looking to upgrade at this time.

More to discover