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In Reply to: RE: IF you want a DAC to play normal "redbook" cds then you shouldn't buy the latest and greatest... posted by audioengr on April 15, 2014 at 09:56:52
Interesting premise. PLease elaborate what is wrong with the digital filters of today and what was so right about the ones of yesteryear. I don't really think it is just the filters but you might have part of the equation there.
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The older chips for the most part have no digital filters in them. The new chips do and they are mostly poorly implemented. If you have a newer D/A chip that allows selection of the filters, this can make the new chips sound even better than the older chips.
I have extensive experience with high end "modern" chips that were not using their internal digital filters but were using some of the most advanced external digital filter extant (think Anagram with their ATF filter for example and DCS). Still think a properly implemented ladder DAC with external 8x DF or no DF and a really good analog stage sounds better. I remain unconvinced by your argument.
Look, I used to sell a product that was essentially a hot-rodded Monarchy PCM1704 based tube DAC called the Spoiler. It was the best of its type, beating the Zanden and EMM Labs etc. I know exactly what this sounds like. Very very good and analog-like, but no where near the resolution of my new DAC using modern D/A chips. Bass not as good either. Even the best Siemens CCA tubes are just not up to it.
To really hear a DAC, you cannot be using an active preamp. Adds too much compression and noise IMO.
Having heard the DAC with both PCM1704 and PCM63 with redbook the PCM63 version (the original version of the M24) still sounds the best to me...even more analog like and a bit less angular if that makes any sense.
Look, I don't know what DAC you are using now but I have heard plenty from the so-called SOTA (DCS, Meitner, Esoteric etc.) in terms of processors and/or DFs but they don't sound better to me at all...particularly with redbook...they simply sound more synthetic.
"they don't sound better to me at all...particularly with redbook...they simply sound more synthetic"
I agree. There are a handful of DACs that are not like these however. Don't ask me to list them because I'll be breaking the rules.
I will be looking to replace my source in about half a year's time. For my sonic preferences, Rowland Aeris is the only DAC using Delta-Sigma conversion that is near the top of my audition list. The Luxman DA-06 is a little further down on the list, but could suffice.IIRC, these DACs run AD or TI/BB converters respectively - not the currently popular AKM, Wolfson, or ESS.
I have more ladder DACs than D-S DACs on my list though...
Cheers.
“As long as we have any intention to be right… we should be wary. So long as words have the slightest ego attachment, they are dishonest.” Charlotte Joko Beck
Edits: 04/23/14
not the best, nor are the modern GEs and Phllips.
The wartime and postwar CV40xx military valves are something else
Have you tried Siemens CCA grey-plates pre-1960? New ones? Killer good.
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