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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
teajay OP
1,333 posts
 
Just wanted to share that a good audiophile friend came over to hear the combination of the Accustic Arts Drive 1-MK2 and Accustic Arts DAC 1-MK4, since he had not heard my system since I replaced my Ensemble transport.

His reference is the Meitner gear, along with great experience with both the full stack DCS and the high end Esoteric CDP's. Remember, the only thing I care about is Redbook performance, he thought the Accustic Arts combo was really very "special" in that it was very detailed/dynamic and yet very airy and musical, to use his words.

So, I'm not even suggesting the Accustic Arts combo is the BEST in the world, just sharing, at least to salient points: 1) That the sonic signature of the Accustic Arts combo offers the best synthesis of type 1 and type 2 virtues I have had in my system so far. 2) The Accustic Arts gear is not inexpensive, but based on build quality and performance it offers world class sonics at a very reasonable price compared with the competition.
nilthepill
842 posts
 
Exlibris, Although it is only one week since you got the Zanden DAC, I (and I am sure many others) eagerly awaits your impression on the Zanden Sonics. And its comparision to the upgraded attraction DAC. Zanden reviews that I read are extraordinary glowing. But true test is listening with your own (or fellow agoners!) ears. Thanks in advance.
exlibris
392 posts
 
Nilthepill,
I ordered the Zanden a week ago but I don't expect it to arrive until next week.
I will be sure to post my review.
teajay OP
1,333 posts
 
Exlibris, now that I have had the Accustic Arts Drive 1-MK2 in my system for over a week, I would highy recommend you set up an audition to try with your new reference DAC. I believe the AA transport is on a much higher level of performance compared to the Levinson 31.5, and would make your new DAC "sing" even better then its does now. A great combination of speed/detail, a totally black background and a very silky/smooth easy presentation. So, I hope you can listen to it in your system, I would love to hear wht your opinion would be compared to the 31.5.
exlibris
392 posts
 
Teajay,
Thank you; I'm positive I'll have a chance to do the comparison.
To my great surprise, it turns out that changing transports doesn't make much of a difference with the Attraction DAC (with JISCO re-clocking device) but it will certainly make a big difference with the Zanden DAC.
I'm guessing that the AA is better than the 31.5 because it does of better job of keeping the signal time aligned (it doesn't add as much jitter).
I should have the Zanden next week and regardless of what I think of it as compared to the Attraction DAC, I will keep both for a few months at least. I want to see how each 'synergizes' with a pair of tubed preamps that I'm going to be listening to next month.
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