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Time to restart the DAC-of-the-Month club....

73.229.163.4
Posted on May 17, 2023 at 11:04:57
AbeCollins
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 I've been curious about some recent $1000 [+/-] DACs. I'm loving my 7 year old $1299 PS Audio NuWave DSD DAC [ESS based]. It's been my long term keeper and I'm using it in my system today. Additionally, I wouldn't hesitate to buy the RME ADI-2 DAC FS again. This is an excellent one too in the $1000 +/- class. Mine had AKM chips before RME was forced to use ESS.

I'm eyeing the fairly new SMSL D400EX DAC based on a pair of AKM DAC chips. Apparently the AKM factory that burned down a couple years ago is back in operation. The SMSL D400EX DAC is around $960. I had the AKM based Topping D90 which was very good but I preferred the PS Audio and RME mentioned above.

Never owned SMSL. Mine should arrive over the weekend.

SMSL D400EX DAC:

Supports Bluetooth 5.0 - don't care. Supports MQA full-decode - don't care.



 

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RE: Time to restart the DAC-of-the-Month club...., posted on May 17, 2023 at 15:12:31
fstein
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 Love my $200 E50 Topping

 

RE: Time to restart the DAC-of-the-Month club...., posted on May 17, 2023 at 18:58:49
AbeCollins
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It's pretty amazing what's available in reasonably priced DACs these days, many from overseas.



 

Why?, posted on May 17, 2023 at 22:31:55
PaulN
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 Is it really that much fun to waste your money buying budget gear looking for some panacea that literally never surfaces? Have you actually had a truly top-shelf DAC in your system, like ever? Just year after year of churn and no real satisfaction-endpoint. Is it a hobby, Abe? Spend and then sell? Do yourself a favor and spend some real bones on a Holo DAC or a Denefrips Terminator. This is such a colossal waste of time and money. When do you just accept this? Rhetorical question.. Never apparently. Hey man, you do you, but don't expect any joyful noise for your latest self-indulgent nonsense. What if you did all this buying and listening and didn't actually post about it? Yeah, nobody would be paying attention to you and that would be awful.

 

Why ... pay more?, posted on May 18, 2023 at 04:22:22
Feanor
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 Sub-$1k DACs are SOTA in terms, at least, of measurements -- which are amazingly close to perfect. I see no point in a $5.5k Holo; all you get is a little extra distortion.

That distortion is what some people like: OK but adding distortion that way is very expensive. I have no plans to replace my Topping D90 (AKM model); I see no point to it for myself. If I wanted distortion I could used a free plug-in to my Foobar2000 music player to added exactly the distortion that tickled my fancy.



Dmitri Shostakovich

 

Feeling mean and grumpy again Paul ?, posted on May 18, 2023 at 07:18:44
AbeCollins
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Is it really that much fun to waste your money buying budget gear looking for some panacea that literally never surfaces?
YES

Have you actually had a truly top-shelf DAC in your system, like ever?
YES

Just year after year of churn and no real satisfaction-endpoint.
Satisfaction end point achieved 7 years ago. I'm using that DAC today.

Is it a hobby, Abe? Spend and then sell?
YES Been doing it for 25 years.



 

Too Much Emphasis on D to A Conversion, I think. Not Enough . . , posted on May 18, 2023 at 09:09:42
Mel
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 . . . on power supplies and analog output stages.

The D to A conversion, chips here, is relatively inexpensive and all too easily marketable to those who mistakingly think the best chip selection is is the most important consideration.

The best sounding power supplies, I-V conversion, low pass filters, gain stage and output buffers all require design and expense. They are often little understood by those who focus on the chips (or even discrete R2R) But these are what it takes to make a great DAC.

 

RE: Why ... pay more?, posted on May 18, 2023 at 10:12:29
PaulN
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 This is flatly incorrect. The Holo May has one of the lowest distortion figures and best signal-to-noise measurements on the market. Clearly you just don't want to spend more for it. A DAC that is capable of almost 22-bit performance is not adding any distortion. Criticize the price if you want to, but don't just make up a reason to hate on it because it is expensive.

 

Doesn't answer the question, posted on May 18, 2023 at 10:50:37
Feanor
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 Let's assume the Holo is indeed very low in distortion. It isn't going to be lower than various DACs for 1/5th price. That is, you can't justify the pricey Holo on the basis of low distortion.

If not distortion what then? Pride of ownership? Fun of churning components, (to which Abe admits)? This may be sufficient justification of dropping that kind of cash but don't pretend it's for better sound.



Dmitri Shostakovich

 

I've been saying the same for years, posted on May 18, 2023 at 11:25:03
AbeCollins
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My best sounding DAC doesn't use the latest in vogue chip, has a large hefty power supply, and passive filtering [not on-chip filtering] but other completely different designs can sound great too.



 

I don't need to pretend..., posted on May 18, 2023 at 11:45:19
PaulN
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 I already had an NAD M51 and a Topping D90 and compared the Holo directly to them both. The Holo does sound better, quieter, cleaner and it was clearly audible even to a novice. It wasn't a pride purchase. This is such a ridiculous, old argument about products sounding alike if they measure well. The power supply alone on the May was worth the extra cost and then there's circuit layout, parts matching and selection... The Topping sounded better than the NAD, especially in direct DSD mode, but the Holo is simply a much better product than both; it is far more refined in the areas that matter and you are not going to find ANY sub-$1000 DAC that is going to come even close to it. Sometimes you do actually get what you pay for. And for me, finding my last DAC was the goal. Buy once, cry once, done...

 

"Relatively inexpensive" & "marketability", posted on May 18, 2023 at 12:09:22
13th Duke of Wymbourne
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 As Oscar Wilde might say if he were an audiophile - don't confuse the price of a DAC chip with its value. ICs are mass produced and economies of scale allow relatively low prices in audiophile terms but do not neglect the vast amounts of engineering time that went into creating that DAC chip. Talking of maketability, I am always amazed that audiophiles always equate 'cheap' with poor sound - that's where the high-end marketing is to convince audiophiles that their I/V conversion and power supplies make all the difference! Not saying they are not important but they are not where the real design knowledge and skill lie.

 

RE: Time to restart the DAC-of-the-Month club...., posted on May 18, 2023 at 12:35:17
el34eh@yahoo.com
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In fact most of the most raved about DACs of late are of Chinese origins | I'd say something like the Denafrips Ares 12th Anniversary Edition should've made your shortlist, as I've come to be its one's choice on both the IC's | USB cables which makes or breaks the system.

Personally I'd never want to own another DAC with any sort of digital display, as I've owned two from different companies were over the course of say 4-9 month said displays appeared to become burnt out, I'm talking to the point of not being able to make out numbers or letters, give me those tiny led displays on any given day of the week and twice on the weekend as the saying goes. Yet again as it also goes YMMV, and maybe?, just maybe things have gotten better since 2020 when I had said units. " BUT ", I'm staying away from them all together | as the only exception I've actually encountered is the type of display used on the Aurender music servers on a whole..., of which I simply adore.

 

RE: Time to restart the DAC-of-the-Month club...., posted on May 18, 2023 at 13:16:18
AbeCollins
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What type of display technology? I'm wondering if it was OLED. These look pretty when new but are known to fade over time. The solution is to run them DIM or turn them OFF when not needed.

The old dot-matrix LED displays [as seen in some Mark Levinson gear and others] have been around for decades and are generally very reliable.



 

RE: Time to restart the DAC-of-the-Month club...., posted on May 18, 2023 at 21:55:51
mmhifi
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 Just buy this Border Patrol DAC and be happy!
Bested multi-dollar Chord TT2/M-Scaler in my system...
Life is short-remember it.

 

Subjective assessments are valid only for the assessor, posted on May 19, 2023 at 04:04:31
Feanor
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 Be happy with the Holo if you like it better: money well spent I suppose. But I know -- in general of course -- that A high price tag disposes folks to believe that a device is better.

For my part I'd rather rely on objective measurements. So far I haven't been disappointed with any well-measuring device I've acquired. I can't say the same much equipment bought based on subjective endorsements. (I've been involved with hi-fi for 52 years: I'm no novice.)


Dmitri Shostakovich

 

RE: Time to restart the DAC-of-the-Month club...., posted on May 19, 2023 at 08:21:44
AbeCollins
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 Already happy with my 7 year old PS Audio NuWave DSD DAC. Looking forward to auditioning the SMSL D400EX DAC.



 

RE: Time to restart the DAC-of-the-Month club...., posted on May 19, 2023 at 08:23:05
el34eh@yahoo.com
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Great point..., as I do recall said matrix type of display being on an older Rega Planet 2000 CDP I used to own, where it never seemed to have said issues.

Yet the display type on the Aurender's are listed as something like AMOLED, of which are as you've stated dimmable or can be shut off all together. That part I totally understand and had forgotten about all together.

My bad.

 

RE: Time to restart the DAC-of-the-Month club...., posted on May 19, 2023 at 08:28:36
AbeCollins
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As consumers we shouldn't have to be concerned with display life remembering to dim them down or turning them OFF. They should just last the lifetime of the product. Can you imagine a airline pilot being told to dim or turn OFF his instrument displays to extend their life ;-)



 

RE: Time to restart the DAC-of-the-Month club...., posted on May 19, 2023 at 08:51:06
el34eh@yahoo.com
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Another valid point | one I've to take into consideration should I ever decide to move onto something other than the Denafrips Pontus ll, which in all likelihood isn't happening anytime soon.

Enjoy your new DAC, Abe.

 

What was it that piqued your interest in this DAC?..... There are so many around...nt, posted on May 19, 2023 at 15:32:53
Cut-Throat
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 nt



 

A few things - and a bonus video, posted on May 20, 2023 at 11:07:53
AbeCollins
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 I'm always curious about recent DACs in the $1000 +/- range. The SMSL D400EX is very new and after watching several YouTube videos including comparisons to other DACs in it's price range, I decided to try one.

A couple videos compared the SMSL D400EX to the similarly priced SMSL SU-10. The D400EX was generally favored. Another comparison was against the similarly priced Denafrips Ares 12th R2R DAC. Again, the AKM based delta-sigma SMSL D400EX was favored. What the reviewer described as negatives against the Denafrips Ares 12th is pretty much what I heard in my Denafrips Ares 2. I didn't care for the Denafrips R2R that much.

It's also interesting to note that the same reviewer who compared the DACs above also did a head to head comparison of the Gustard A26 delta-sigma DAC to the Gustard R26 R2R DAC. He preferred the delta-sigma A26 pretty much across the board. I had the Gustard R26 here briefly and thought it was good but not to my taste. Just based on memory I prefer the cheaper SMSL D400EX delta-sigma DAC over the Gustard R26 R2R.






View YouTube Video




 

I'll be interested in hearing your opinion ............... nt, posted on May 20, 2023 at 12:37:37
Cut-Throat
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 As far as being in the 'Dac O' the Month Club', I've been unofficially kicked out. I've had my Gustard X26 Pro for 2 years now... I probably won't try another DAC, unless something truly 'revolutionary' comes to market or I get bored.

But, you are correct that the Best Sounding DAC should not take more than 1 or 2 Grand... It performs a pretty basic function and throwing money at the problem, will only result in Bragging Rights or Audio Jewelry... And if someone spends Mega Bucks on a DAC (Over $5 Grand), they better convince themselves that they 'Can hear a Difference'. Otherwise they have to admit they are Fools. As the saying goes... "It is far easier to fool a man, than to get him to admit he's been fooled."




 

Have you considered trying a..., posted on May 20, 2023 at 17:28:48
E-Stat
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 a speaker of the year(?) club? Downgrading the garage system's electronics revived my speaker first preference.

Dipole?

Line source?

Planar?

Electrostatic?

All four simultaneously?

 

DS v R2R DACs, posted on May 20, 2023 at 19:35:19
mlsstl
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 The subject seems to be one of those issues that has two different camps, each solidly in their own territory. I made the follow observation on Head-Fi recently that I'll post again here.

My experience is that I'm often more impressed initially with DS DACs. First impression is that they seem a bit more detailed and etched, but it doesn't take very long for that to wear on me. R2R/mulitbit DACs seems to have a more relaxed quality to them, and with just a bit of time these DACs sound more natural to me, with more 3D depth. That, of course, can change depending on the make & model involved.

That said, I could easily live with most of the reasonably priced DACs of either type I've heard. But, if I have a choice, I'll go with a multibit.

 

RE: Have you considered trying a..., posted on May 21, 2023 at 05:36:34
AbeCollins
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No. I've been happy with my two main sets of tower speakers plus I have a couple bookshelf speaker pairs. The problem with speakers [relative to electronics] is the size, weight, and shipping.




 

Just thought, posted on May 21, 2023 at 08:29:42
E-Stat
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 you might want to experiment with what many find makes more significant audible differences than DACs.

I also use measurements to optimize placement. After trying many variations of speaker and bass trap placement, I get pretty smooth third octave results in the Schroeder frequencies with a mild room rise. :)

 

RE: I'll be interested in hearing your opinion ............... nt, posted on May 21, 2023 at 22:57:20
PaulN
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 You just don't know what you are missing, Maybe you're too old to hear the difference now. Since I am off the bus now, I am fairly objective about this but until you have a Holo May in your own listening room you will never appreciate just how good that $5k DAC is. Tell yourself whatever you need to that makes your decisions ok for you but you are missing a great deal that you simply don't want to accept.

 

Ditto that: sub-$2k DACs are more than good enough, posted on May 22, 2023 at 04:18:51
Feanor
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 I'll be sticking with my Topping D90 (AKM) forever or 'till it or I break down. Personally I don't believe it colors the sound in any way.

But I do have to grant that some folks are looking for a degree of coloration. IMO, it's best to get that from only one component in the chain and that would be the preamp.



Dmitri Shostakovich

 

Tonal balance is but one criteria, posted on May 22, 2023 at 14:21:53
E-Stat
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 Personally I don't believe it colors the sound in any way.

I've heard components of all sorts that are tonally neutral but still lack other desirable characteristics found with live, unamplified music.

 

RE: Time to restart the DAC-of-the-Month club...., posted on May 23, 2023 at 10:17:29
John Elison
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 Well, in the case of aircraft, I think they simply replace the displays if they go bad. Aircraft go through scheduled periodic maintenance checks.

However, you're right about the displays in DACs. I wasn't aware of this problem because I've only recently owned DACs and DAPs with displays. Fortunately, none of mine have developed problems, but all of them turn off automatically after a preset time. Recently, I've been using the longest preset time because I like to see the display.

I don't see why they should go bad, though. They seem to be like computer displays and I've never had a computer display go bad. Moreover, my HDTV runs almost continuously and I've owned it since 2010. It seems to be just as bright and beautiful as it was when brand new. Therefore, I don't think there should be a problem with displays on DACs.

Now that I've said that, I'll watch as my DAC and DAP displays fade out. :-)

Oh, well. Such is life!

Happy Listening!
John Elison

 

RE: Time to restart the DAC-of-the-Month club...., posted on May 24, 2023 at 05:56:10
AbeCollins
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 Talking about AMOLED, a specific display technology used in some audio gear that was not as reliable as others at least in their infancy. All have matured and are more reliable today.

I still like the old expensive and reliable red 5x7 LED dot-matrix alphanumeric displays from decades ago.... I'm thinking 1980's into 1990's or so. These were found in electronic test instruments including brands like HP and some high end audio gear - like Levinson. I see some of these LED dot-matrix displays now but I wonder if they're as reliable as those chosen by the the likes of HP. I doubt it.




 

RE: Ditto that: sub-$2k DACs are more than good enough, posted on May 24, 2023 at 09:15:43
AbeCollins
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 "IMO, it's best to get that from only one component in the chain and that would be the preamp."

I basically agree that if some coloration is desired it is best to get it from one component in the chain. But that kind of depends on what you might like to experiment with. It could also be said that if any coloration is desired it is best to get it from the source component(s) driving the preamp. If the preamp is 'colored' then every source driving it will be colored.

IMHO it's not just about coloration but other variables like detail, smoothness, transparency, dynamics, impact vs softness, soundstage, etc. A good preamp can deliver on all those - then you're more likely to hear the true character of each source. That was the case with my LA4 preamp but that's not to say I don't enjoy some coloration sometimes.

My entire tube integrated amp is 'colored' and even more so with the recent set of Gold Lion KT-77's installed. And for me, that's just fine.

I enjoy a very neutral and transparent setup as much as I enjoy the other extreme with lush coloration. There's no correct and best system but there are some that can sound pretty bad at either extreme.



 

RE: Time to restart the DAC-of-the-Month club...., posted on May 24, 2023 at 12:44:09
Cut-Throat
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 Have you seen this review? --- The SMSL's SU-10 is also spoken of highly...



 

RE: Time to restart the DAC-of-the-Month club...., posted on May 26, 2023 at 21:30:15
AbeCollins
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 Thanks! I read the entire review. I watched and read some others too on the SMSL D400EX vs SU-10 as well as comparisons to some other brands in the $1000 class. These reviews and comments are what motivated me to try the SMSL D400EX. For example:

"It's compelling knowing that SMSL gives us two options to choose from. You either get an extremely technical and linear-sounding unit [SU-10] or a less technical, but fuller-bodied sounding fellow that offers you a stronger midrange and mid-bass at the cost of a less extended treble delivery [D400EX]. "

"It seems that we didn't get a super-fast or highly resolving sounding unit, but when it comes to scaling and layering, this thing eats ESS-Sabre devices for breakfast. D400EX is impressive here, even more so compared to their SU-10 and VMV D1SE and it's on another level compared to DO200 MKII and C200. It approached the layering and airiness of Gustard's A26, but it is still not exactly on the same level, as A26 will still portray a bigger picture in front of me."

Eats ESS-Sabre devices for breakfast? Well maybe, maybe not.

As I read the various reviews, the SMSL D400EX seemed like it would be similar to my PS Audio NuWave DSD DAC. It does have several tonal similarities but the PS Audio is ESS Sabre based and has been my favorite for a long time. The SMSL is similar sounding but does better with a bigger soundstage vs the PS Audio.

P.S. I might like the Gustard A26 even more. I had the Gustard R26 R2R DAC here for a short time and while it was good, it wasn't quite to my taste.

The setup as of today:




 

Yeah, but "live" sound varies from venue to venue, posted on May 27, 2023 at 06:47:03
Feanor
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 We hear music in many venues but, given our short term sound memory, "live" music ends up being very largely idealized in our imagination.


Dmitri Shostakovich

 

You need several home systems to mimic each venue - nt, posted on May 27, 2023 at 07:13:14
AbeCollins
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 .

 

Yes, and? , posted on May 27, 2023 at 07:18:37
E-Stat
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 Speak for yourself. I find a common immediacy with all manner of cues that tells you it's the real thing. Like hearing wifey play her baby grand in the living room.

 

RE: Time to restart the DAC-of-the-Month club...., posted on May 27, 2023 at 10:29:14
Cut-Throat
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 The review did like the Gustards also, which he mentioned in his Conclusion.

"TSMSL will be hard-pressed to outperform Gustard's Triforce (X26 PRO, A26, R26 Discrete) when going above the ~$1K mark as strong competition is building up, but below that point, I believe SU-10 together with D400EX are reigning as king and queen until Topping comes up with a response."



 

RE: Time to restart the DAC-of-the-Month club...., posted on May 30, 2023 at 07:40:44
Brody
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 Abe, how do you like the Vidar?

 

RE: Time to restart the DAC-of-the-Month club...., posted on May 30, 2023 at 15:47:00
AbeCollins
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 The Vidar is a nice sounding amp but it's not a 'giant killer'. My previous 100-wpc amp was the Benchmark AHB-2 (at 4x the price) which is clearly superior sounding all around and I'm not talking about audiophiles splitting hairs. The difference would be clearly audible by anyone.

I'm not sure if it's a system synergy issue but the Vidar seems to have an emphasis on deep forceful bass and lower mids. It's definitely deeper than the AHB-2 but overall the 'clarity' of the music throughout the range isn't nearly as transparent as the Benchmark AHB-2. It's strong suit in my system is the bass which kind of calls attention to itself. It's excellent with certain bass heavy music but I also found that the overall sound gets a little congested with complex music. To me that means some rock music with lots of instruments going on. On the other hand the Vidar handles female vocals, male vocals, smooth jazz and the like nicely.

The vacuum tube Rogue Cronus Magnum is also more revealing across the musical range with better clarity than the Vidar but the tube amp lacks the deep authoritative bass and robust lower mids of the Vidar. I paired up a couple subwoofers with the Cronus Magnum to get closer to "just right" for my taste.

I bought the Vidar used and will probably sell it before too long. It's not a bad amp. It's just not a giant killer amp but a great value for the price. It might mate better with brighter sounding speakers that are bass shy.



 

RE: Time to restart the DAC-of-the-Month club...., posted on May 30, 2023 at 15:51:47
AbeCollins
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I think I was getting the A26 mixed up with the X26 Pro. I'll have to take a look at those again on YouTube. Having first hand experience hearing the R2R R26 in my home I know that that one is not for me. It is better than the R2R Denafrips Ares 2 but neither one of those R2R DACs were to my taste. In my opinion R2R is an overrated fad.... but that's just my opinion based on my taste. [Although there are a few YouTube reviewers who generally share my preference for modern delta-sigma DACs over R2R]





 

Indeed ~nt, posted on June 1, 2023 at 03:55:35
Feanor
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 nt


Dmitri Shostakovich

 

Detail & transparency I like too, posted on June 1, 2023 at 03:59:33
Feanor
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 Part of "live" I suppose but tone is a separate consideration and then there's soundstage.

But "live" is subjective for reasons I mentioned. One's "live" tends to be a matter of poor (sound) memory and good imagination.


Dmitri Shostakovich

 

RE: Detail & transparency I like too, posted on June 4, 2023 at 16:40:45
Freo-1
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Location: Florida
Joined: June 14, 2008
 Can't beat Chord for detail, transparency, and time domain processing. Currently using a Chord M-Scaler as a front end processor to a Devialet 1000 Pro. The Chord M-Scaler further improves the already great performance with the Expert Pro 1000. The upscaled input to the Expert Pro 1000 makes the Devialet sound like a improved/revised version of the 1000 Pro. The better your playback setup, the more the M-Scaler seems to improve playback.

Also have a Hugo TT2 connected to the M-Scaler. Us e this for headphones, as well as the TT2 as a preamp to a pair of 8552 tube monoblocks. The Chord setup is at a whole different performance level compared to the various off the shelf DAC units.
" Don't look back. Something may be gaining on you"

Satchel Paige

 

RE: Time to restart the DAC-of-the-Month club...., posted on June 5, 2023 at 12:07:04
svisner
Audiophile

Posts: 1165
Joined: March 30, 2002
 Well, I have several DACs and depending on the application, I like a lot of them. We actually have three (yes, three) SMSL Sanskrit 10th units, one for my office PC, one for our bedroom system (streaming, TV, DVD), and one for the TV and Tascam CD player in our main system. My principal DAC for the main system is a Schitt Lyr 3 headphone tube amp/preamp/DAC for more critical listening (driving McIntosh tube amplifier and MartinLogan electrostats). Yes, it's a bit more sumptuous than the SMSLs, but it's someone pricier. As for the SMSLs, I find them quite listenable and never fatiguing. I also use a Schitt HEL with my desktop computer, driving a Crown amplifier and Mini-Magnepan speakers. The Hel, which is by no means expensive, is detailed and images very nicely. I think Abe has it right; many good DACs for less than $1000. I also know, however, that a higher end unit can be wonderful. All things considered, though, the SMSL units are very good.

 

RE: Time to restart the DAC-of-the-Month club...., posted on June 14, 2023 at 18:59:11
Zarlino
Audiophile

Posts: 97
Joined: July 6, 2020



A few more comments on DACs and the RME ADI-2 fs.

For years I have a used a Grace Design Monitor Controller as the hub of my system: DAC, preamp, headphone amp, with great connection options (see photo), all of which I use except the usb. This is professional gear, used for monitoring by Steinway Records, Stirling Sound etc. Never a problem and immediate friendly customer support should you have a question. Unfortunately, they no longer make this model, only a large multi-channel wonder for recording studios.

So I was curious about the newer chips and if some improvement over the Grace might be possible.

Bought an SMSL SU-10; crackling noise through the speakers on power up, and 3dB less dynamic range than the Grace. Returned to Amazon.

Bought a used RME ADI-2 fs, having read several of Abe's favourable comments.

It wasn't supposed to be used, but that's what Amazon.ca sent me, priced as new; up here that's 2 large (CAD.). Despite their webpage saying it could be returned for "replacement", they refused on the grounds that it was a "high value" item, and so could only be returned for refund.

As my dear wife pointed out, if I returned it, waited for my refund, then ordered it again, they could easily send me the same used one. And they were snarky on the phone, telling me that the one I had received was listed as "new" on their inventory.

So I ordered another one, which was new, and after it was set up and working I returned the used one, only to learn that "high value" items take longer than regular items to be refunded. Still waiting...

Be that as it may, this is a great DAC. You can watch Doug Schneider rave on the linked video, and you can click on one of the links he provides to see a rigorous set of measurements if you are so inclined.

Agreed, Schneider has a successful business to run, and his pages are packed with ads and pop-ups, but I've never seen one for RME, and I do believe his comments on the RME DAC are sincere, as he has nothing to gain.

From my listening, quite simply 'there's more There there' (to paraphrase the great Gertrude) and, provided you receive a new one with the factory settings intact, you can just plug it in and listen. But RME is a professional sound company, like Grace Design, and the stats and engineering are there for those who want them.

I like to know from the Grace manual that 95 1/2 dB on the attenuator readout equals 0 dB at the balanced out. And 0 showing on the RME is the same thing. I'm running the RME bal out to the Grace bal in, and the Grace bal out to the power amp, so am still using the Grace as a preamp, while being able also to use it as a monitor controller/hub by choosing one of its digital inputs.

The RME remote is better than the Grace's, as you can adjust bass and treble as well as channel balance from your chair.
And the whole product is so well thought-out. e.g. innovative adjustable loudness compensation.

For such a professional product, my only question is: why does it (and the Pro version) have the power switch on the wrong side?

 

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