Both approaches combined

Posted by AbeCollins (A) on July 2, 2017 at 08:09:19

In Reply to: Comparing DAC's posted by chocolate_lover9999@yahoo.com on July 1, 2017 at 09:05:09:

"If neither approach seems to work well,is there another way?"

Yes, use both approaches.

I use the quick A/B comparison to spot any immediate weaknesses that would annoy me long term. ;-) Really. If one DAC stands out as lacking something I desire, the quick A/B comparison quickly reveals it especially if the two DACs sound noticeably different, and some do.

Beyond that, if I find both DACs to sound outstanding by my initial standards, I'll listen long term to determine the 'winner'. In some cases it's a toss up and I'll keep the less expensive DAC.

Many good DACs will not exhibit significant weaknesses but may be 'voiced' slightly different by their respective designer. IMHO many buyers place too much emphasis on which latest DAC chip of the month is listed on the manufacturer's marketing slick. There have been many excellent DAC chips available in recent years and it's up to the designer to get the most out of it including the very important analog output stage of the finished product.

A couple A/B losers that I threw out in short order:

- Luxman DA-06 DAC
- Wavelength Brick USB DAC v3

Both of these were very 'smooth' but noticeably rolled-off at the frequency extremes and lacking dynamic punch. Maybe the designer was going for a very polite presentation. They were fine with female vocals and smooth jazz but music with more complexity and slam had no slam. A case of significant weaknesses immediately revealed in a quick A/B test against other DACs I had.

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Comparing DAC's - chocolate_lover9999@yahoo.com 09:05:09 07/01/17 (20)

Many thanks to all for your thoughts and suggestions! nt - chocolate_lover9999@yahoo.com 11:44:33 07/04/17 (0)

RE: Comparing DAC's - Thorsten 00:30:41 07/04/17 (0)

Both approaches combined - AbeCollins 08:09:19 07/02/17 (0)

RE: Comparing DAC's - Todd Krieger 04:46:17 07/02/17 (4)

RE: Comparing DAC's - Mercman 02:43:36 07/04/17 (1)

RE: Comparing DAC's - Todd Krieger 21:27:42 07/04/17 (0)

Sorry. No. - jusbe 12:12:11 07/02/17 (0)

only decent DAC readily available is the Schiit Bifrost- If you say so... nt - oldmkvi 07:43:21 07/02/17 (0)

The $64 Million Question - Charles Hansen 17:03:51 07/01/17 (5)

RE: The $64 Million Question - Bromo33333 08:49:38 07/05/17 (0)

+1 - E-Stat 05:36:31 07/03/17 (0)

Thanks, well thought out approach.... - Ivan303 08:28:33 07/02/17 (1)

Great story! - Charles Hansen 00:30:39 07/03/17 (0)

RE: The $64 Million Question - Frihed89 00:39:30 07/02/17 (0)

RE: Comparing DAC's - Duster 16:32:44 07/01/17 (0)

RE: Comparing DAC's - PAR 14:24:31 07/01/17 (1)

RE: Comparing DAC's - RGA 02:10:17 07/03/17 (0)

RE: Comparing DAC's - knewton 09:53:16 07/01/17 (1)

RE: Comparing DAC's - Todd Krieger 04:48:59 07/02/17 (0)

RE: Comparing DAC's - oldmkvi 09:28:31 07/01/17 (0)

Follow Ups

Both approaches combined - AbeCollins 08:09:19 07/02/17 (0)

Both approaches combined

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