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Are there any DACs that can go low?

I have a W4S DAC-2 (with Audiophilleo), I have also auditioned an Ayre QB-9, own a Cary Xciter, have owned a Peachtree Nova, and have an Oppo BDP-95. I try to use high definition files from a Mac Mini over Audionirvana.

None of these can approach the lows that my reference source can (a Clearaudio Performance SE turntable with Artist V2 ebony Cartridge and Ayre P-5xe stage). My reference is a Clearaudio Performance SE turntable with Artist V2 ebony Cartridge and Ayre P-5xe stage. The bass is so much richer and deeper with that as my reference and the midrange sounds fuller too. Highs never sound shrill either.

Are there any DACs out there that can approach a more neutral sound, at least as I see it?
128x128intermediatic
intermediatic's avatar
intermediatic OP
57 posts
 
Uggg too early in the morning (and it's already 10! what gives?).

Plenty of typos in that one, but at least I'll correct one line that is particularly bad

and like the SLP-03, the Xciter was an entry level Cary
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Interm... - The optimum way to use the W4S DAC2 is using I2S. The Off-Ramp 5 provides HDMI I2S output specifically for this. The reason that I2S sounds better I believe is that it bypasses the clocking that occurs with S/SDIF input to Sabre DAC.

Steve N.
Emporical Audio
intermediatic's avatar
intermediatic OP
57 posts
 
Steve, that's interesting. Then again, I think that the output stages of the Cary may be better than on the DAC-2 and that makes a huge difference.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
I have really good outputs to feed it with also. Not good enough. I2S beats it hands-down using a good cable like the HDMI-12. I have lots of customer feedback on this as well.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
I agree with the suggestion that you pay attention to the output stage of your DACs. Best output stage I have heard on a DAC was from the analog maestros at Yamamoto, on their YDA-01 DAC
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