T-Music ES9018 Sabre DAC Report
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| Posted on January 14, 2017 at 20:15:04 | ||
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Posts: 17117
Location: Pacific Northwest Joined: August 25, 2002 |
  Image: T-Music ES9018 Sabre DAC While I simply consider this product to be an affordable DAC option with big bang for the buck value, not state of the art, these images found via the web do not do justice to how impressive the build quality actually looks when the enclosure is opened. Based on my listening experience and evaluation during the first 200 hours of burn-in, the audiophile performance of the T-Music ES9018 Sabre DAC sounds as good as it looks, to my ear. I'm impressed enough to order a custom laser printed gold anodized aluminum plate with adhesive-backing to act as a badge with information about the design rather than allow the enclosure of the T-Music ES9018 Sabre DAC to look like a plain paper bag:  My first impression from a sonic POV was a mixed matter. Good spatial and ambient information was immediately apparent, with a linear tonality with no coloration from top to bottom, but the reputation of the ESS Sabre DAC chip as sounding too analytical and a bit ruthless seemed to be something to be concerned about based on the overall gestalt being less than musical in nature. However, it's foolish to come to rash conclusions about any audio device without the patience to wait for the burn-in process to bring about sonic betterment. Setting a computer alert for the first 150 hour mark of burn-in gave the usual guideline for a more objective perspective towards a proper evaluation. While another mark for when the DAC has been in operation for a total of 400 hours has not been completed, I've observed the general sonic performance of the DAC quite enough, and finally configured its power cord, digital cable, line-level interconnects, with yet to come further vibration control devices to the point that I can confidently say that things can only get better at this time, so I simply look forward to the 400 hour mark to be completed. The original goal I had for purchasing the T-Music ES9018 Sabre DAC was for use with an Xfinity X1 digital CATV box in my main audio system, and that's where it was first connected. Going from a classic Museatex Bitstream DAC that I'd been using for the application to the new T-Music ES9018 Sabre DAC was that of extremes. The Museatex DAC is well known for its analog-like musicality, and after decades of continuous use still sounds more like an old school phono set-up than a sterile digital component. That said, since the Museatex DAC only has connector I/O upgrades, not upgraded capacitors nor other John Wright mods, my Museatex DAC sounds too tired to be good for anything more than for use in my bedroom system, where it will be retired with high honor and further appreciation of its vintage musicality. Even though the frequency extremes suffer the most from the aging process, the midrange still sounds perfectly engaging, which is vital for use in the bedroom audio system. Perhaps someday I'll spend some audio dollars on a proper revamp it really does deserve. After moving the Museatex Bitstream DAC to my computer workstation system in place of a low-cost TeraDak V3.1D NOS DAC with upgraded analog output capacitors (Obbligato Premium Cap, compact size: 35mm x 20mm, 10uF 250V film capacitor with Vishay bypass), I enjoyed the change of DACs simply from a musical perspective. But the sonic downside found at the frequancy extremes finally took the wind out of its sail, so I decided to test the T-Music ES9018 Sabre DAC in the computer workstation system. A new sense of clarity/coherence, including a very tight and articulated bottom end, with a pristine treble characteristic was obvious, and well-appreciated. I decided the new T-Music ES9018 Sabre DAC was indeed meant for use in the computer workstation system, especially since its cost level fit perfectly within my maximum $300 plus shipping per audio component criteria I've established for my computer workstation system configuration over the years. As for a new DAC for the Xfinity X1 digital CATV box, I decided to buy yet another Gustard DAC-X12, the same DAC I use for my primary digital front end, since its under $500 price point and performance level is a worthy option for use in the main audio system. In a nutshell, what I've found is that the T-Music ES9018 Sabre DAC can sound as good as what you throw at it in terms of cabling and source material. There is no discernible sonic signature in terms of audiophile romanticism or musicality based on what some might seek from a digital component. I would not opine that it offers reference-quality audio performance, since the design features op-amps and otherwise less than top-shelf components in some cases, but there are high-quality parts involved in the design that make the DAC a good choice from an affordability standpoint, at least for those who seek a high-performance DAC if enough effort is placed towards system-tuning optimization in order to bring out the best it can offer. I feel confident that the DAC will continue to be enjoyed for what it is. An affordable option without obvious caveat to speak of, at this time. Cheers, Duster See link: 
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| Are the options amps..., posted on January 14, 2017 at 22:32:39 | |
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Posts: 763
Joined: September 26, 1999 |
...replaceable? If so I would suggest the newest version 5 of Bursons discrete offerings.
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| Op amps that is. (nt), posted on January 14, 2017 at 22:35:14 | |
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Posts: 763
Joined: September 26, 1999 |
Nt
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