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Reference DACS: An overall perspective

There has been many threads the last few months regarding the sonic signature of some of the highest regarded reference DACS (Dcs,Meitner,Ensemble,Audio Note,Zanden,Reimyo,Accustic Arts) here on the GON. I have been very fortunate to audtion many of these wonderful pieces in my home or friend's systems. I wanted to share, in a systematic way, my impressions/opinions with you GON members for a two reasons: 1)That my experiences might be helpful to fellow members interested in audtioning these DACS. 2)Starting an interesting discussion regarding the different "sonic flavors" of these reference digital front ends. I totally agree with the statement, "if you have not heard it you don't have an opinion". Therefore, I have no comments regarding DACS from Weiss,Goldmund,Audio Aero and Burmester because I have never had the pleasure of audtioning them. I would love to hear from members who have and share their experiences with us. My overall impression is that these DACS(Dcs,Meitner,Ensemble,Audio Note,Zanden,Reimyo,Accustic Arts) can be grouped into two molar categories regarding their overall sonic signature. By the way, all of them can throw a large/deep soundstage with excellent layering in the acoustic space with "air" around individual players on that stage. However, than they start to part company into two major categories. Category #1) These DACS "flavors" revolve around pristine clarity, fine sharp details,speed,very extended top/bottom frequencies,and great PRAT. These DACS never sound "etched" or "in your face" but are more "upfront" then "layed back" in their presentation. The DACS, to my ear's, that go into this bracket are Dcs,Ensemble,Meitner. My personnal favorite in this group is the Ensemble, which I owned for two years. These DACS remind me of the sonic signature of speakers such as Wilson,Thiel,Dynaudio, Focal/JM Labs. Category #2) These DACS "flavors" revolve around a "musical/organic" sense, natural timbres,and an easy flowing liquidity. Their "less forward" presentation my give the impression of less detail, but I think in this case its an illusion fostered by their more relaxed/organic manner. The DACS, to my ear's, that go into this bracket are Audio Note,Zanden,Reimyo,Accustic Arts. I did find that the tube DACS did not have the top/bottom frequency extenstion and PRAT of the SS DACS in this bracket. For me, the Accustic Arts DAC1-MK3 gave me the best of both categories, therefore it is now the resident DAC in my system. These DACS remind me of the sonic signature of speakers such as Magnepan,Von Schweikert,Sonus Faber. Well, it's all just my opinion regarding these digital pieces, but I hope this post was at least informative/somewhat interesting and would lend itself to other GON members sharing their impressions, not about what DAC is the "BEST" in the world, but your personnal taste and synergy with your system.
teajay
exlibris
392 posts
 
I've purchased a DAC that I believe falls in the "Reference" category. One of the nice things about it is that it comes as a less than "Reference" price ($1,000).

I had been using an EMM Labs DCC2 DAC and CDSD transport.

Since the new DAC only accepts RCA digital cables and my CDSD transport didn't have RCA digital outputs, I ended up borrowing an inexpensive CD player (Synthesis)to use as a transport and an inexpensive digital RCA cable (Cardas 'Lightning') to try out the new DAC in my system.

After about 5 minutes listening, I knew that the EMM Labs gear would be going up for sale. I couldn't believe how honest and musical the presentation was. This DAC excels at 'time and space.' You don't have to use your imagination to 'see' the musicians in their space or 'feel' their music fill your room. Honest, musical, natural, unprocessed, and real are words that come to mind when listening to this DAC.
I can only imagine what will happen when I get a decent transport and digital RCA cable for it.
I know longer have my EMM Labs transport and DAC.

In short, I agree with Dick Olsher in his review "Digital Zen." The Altmann Micro Machines Attraction DAC "has given me the best CD sound I have experienced...cost no object."
henryhk
648 posts
 
I got my EMM gear updated to the Signature e version....the biggest difference seems to me is when playing redbook CDs...more natural than b4 with more solidity
deshapiro
174 posts
 
I sold my EMM gear with no regrets, now that I have an X01 limited. It just fits my preferences. No ore digital purchases for me, until hard drive-

Davidbased media comes of age.
exlibris
392 posts
 
David,
Have you heard a hard drive-based system that sounds as good as a reference-level transport?
With all the high frequency switching going on inside a computer and the type of cabling used at the output of the computer, I can't imagine that the sound would be that good.
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,219 posts
 
I'm a bit surprised that noone mentioned the MBL stuff. I recently tried their new integrated CDP - the 1531 - and I'm very, very impressed. So much in fact, that I have pulled the trigger and ordered one for myself.

I have been looking for a new player for some time now. After selling my AA Capitole mk II SE I have tried several different players from all price points, including - among other things - the whole Audio Aero line (wanted to stay brand loyal at first, so I tried the new Capitole Reference, Capitole Reference SE and SACD Prestige) and also the non signature EMM Labs CDSD/DCC2 combo.

None of them impressed me so much as the MBL. It came as a surprise, since I have never really cared for any german Hi-Fi. The first time I switched it on, I was floored. It was by far THE most natural sounding player of the lot, with HUGE soundstaging and very good resolution. But among other things, this player presented music in a very unprocessed, free flowing way, as If it had a non-os dac hidden inside. The music was just ... real.

True - it gave up a bit in resolution department and HF air comparing to EMM Labs gear for example, but it had better stage depth, more solid bass, and oh so much more belivable midrange that it was a no brainer for me.

And best of all - it only costs $9000. That is right - just NINE grand. I cannot imagine how their more expensive combinations (1511/1521 and 1611/1621) must sound.
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