Why do I prefer R2R over Chip based DAC's?

I’ve experimented with seven topping/SMSL DACs in the low to mid-priced range so far. One critical aspect I’m missing from these Chinese chip-based DACs is the depth in soundstage. Despite having an expansive ’width,’ every DAC (even Topping D90 sounds flat (2D). However, I discovered this missing trait in the sound when auditioning the FPGA-based DAC, Chord Mojo. From various reviews, including those by iiwi (I assume you’ve considered his insights in making your choice), I’ve learned that some R2R DACs also exhibit excellent soundstage depth. If that is something you are craving for, you might want to consider exploring that option.

Generally the blurb you hear the most (at least from the YouTubers doing reviews) is that R2R (resistor ladder-based DACs) often sound more tonally correct with instruments and for some "unknown reason" offer a wider, more expansive soundstage and better imaging and more depth than you get with comparably price "chip based" DACs.

Then there are "multibit" DACs that are different a bit (pun not intended) than the "chip-based" ones, and of course as someone mentioned above, there are DACs based on FPGA chips, but the software controlling the digital to analog conversion is written by the company or a 3rd party, not based on just an "off the shelf" chip "as is" like a Sabre ESS or AKM or Burr Brown.

But to do FPGA "right" takes a lot of skill and experience, hence the generally higher cost of such DACs like those by Chord or PS Audio.

There’s a whole world out there of DACs. Accept some advice from others, and read all you can, but ultimately, you and your ears and your system’s capabilities will determine what you like or what is most important to you.

You say you generally listen to rock music from the 80s and 90s. Painting with a broad brush, many seem to think that chip-based DACs, especially AKM based ones, offer more bass "slam" than R2R DACs.

Everything is a cost/engineering/preference tradeoff. Just as there are no "perfect" speakers or amp, there are no perfect DACs. Audiophiles will always find something to quibble about, even in a $10,000 DAC.

Denafrips Ares 12th.

mclinnguy,

I don't think he has to save up that much money for a wadax that's not the only chip-based DAC that sounds that sounds very analog, the Wyred4sound 10th anniversary DAC is very analog sounding and it's only 4,500 US, one of the reviewers put it up against his VPI turntable with a $5,000 Japanese cartridge and he said that the tenth anniversary DAC sounded just as analog, on that review I bought it and I totally agree and they even give a 30-day trial period.

@magnuman that is my sarcastic sense of humour- just trying to make a point. Have a look at my system and note my "inferior to any R2R DAC" ESS DAC.