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
Great thread guys!

I still have a curiosity though. Reading this thread I noticed that nobody mentioned the DACs made by DCS and Weiss for the professional market, the DCS 954 & 955 and the Weiss DAC1 MK2. The reason I'm interested in these DACs is that they are quite a bit cheaper then the residential models. Could these pro models offer the same sound quality as the residential ones do? I wouldn't mind the looks if the sound was at the same level. Also, the DCS 955 has higher sample rates than the Elgar, up to 384kHz. Their prices are about 5-6000 Euros.

Here are the links:

http://www.dcsltd.co.uk/index2.html (couldn't link directly to the product, just go to professional products)

http://www.weiss.ch/dac1/dac1.html
Hi,
I have not heard the dCS Pro stuff, but I know someone who is familiar with it and the 384kHz "DXD" you refer to is very impresive he said and betters the existing level of performance.

Good news, dCS will implement that DXD in it's new products. Bad news (as far as I understood it), you are not able to play DSD signals via this Pro gear! The Pro gear get the SACD/DSD signals from recording harddisk. For audiophile usage the connection between a DSD transport and DSD dac must be Sony's firewire, or likewise+encrypted for a brand own's gear only, like Esoteric does with their ES-Link (AES/EBU but not usefull with other brands). Hope this helps.

Look forward to dCS' new Scarlatti line (pictures+names on the internet from last nov-06). Transport with VRDS-NEO. Will it have the above mentioned DXD? A new masterclock? Same ring-dac as Elgar Plus, or other new developments incorporated? And... how does it sound?!

Comparing this Scarlatti line to Esoteric 01/03 series seems most in line. For sure Esoteric did an excellent job being in the fore front, in all ways, build quality, sonics of cours, but also 'details' like all the DSP facilities on board of the P-01 and P-03 (sub on/off, spreading low freq over selective speakers, +/-dB/ch, delay/ch, test tones).

Did anyone listened/compared the X-01 D2 ?! I'm eager to hear your experiences with the dual dacs.

Regards, Rene-L
Hi Rene,

Yes, I think you're right about the DSD signal, unfortunately. I looked throgh the 955 manual and it says that the source must be capable of DSD P3D operation (3 AES XLR outputs). Also, it can be used with a DSD source that has SDIF and word clock BNC outputs.

Here is a link on diyaudio.com about this exact issue with the 955:

http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=25863
Rene,
I have an X-01D2 here.
Please private email for more info.
Thank you.

Disclaimer: Esoteric retailer
Audiofeil, hi Bill, could you share your opinion on the sonic differences between the Esoteric X-1 SE/LE and the current X-01D2. I have found the X-1SE to be a very, to use the jargon of this thread, type #1 flavor. I admired many of its sonic attributes, but found it very slightly kinda "ruthless" in the systems I have heard it in and not as "musical" as other digital front ends I have listened to.

So, does the new X-01D2 keep the virtues of details, great dynamics, extension, transparency, and add a touch of warmth or not? Please share your impressions. Thanks.