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Looking for Better Jitter Reduction in a DAC

I'm looking to improve the jitter control in my digital setup, which hopefully will create a more analogue presentation. I own a PS Audio PW Memory Transport, which sports a FPGA, and a Nuwave DSD DAC with a scaled-down version of the gate array.

   I have owned a Chord which uses this technology and it was like listening to analogue recordings. I sold it only because it's soundstage was very forward, like sitting in the front row of a concert hall. My current PS Audio setup has wide and deep imaging, as does my Atma-Sphere preamp.
   I have auditioned the Schiit Grundir and it was a bit too fast in the attack and transients, but had the dynamics and deep imaging that I like. So, I guess what I'm looking for is a unit with a laid-back, realistic musical presentation.

The Mytek Digital Stereo192 DSD and Blue Circle DAC are in my price range, but there is no way to audition them.
  So any recommendation and advice is appreciated. DSD preferred, budget is about $1200 used.


128x128lowrider57
dlcockrum's avatar
dlcockrum
2,105 posts
 
Thanks lowrider, much appreciated. I just found this and thought it to accurately and truthfully reflect my ownership impressions, including that it could use a bit more heft on the bottom. Nothing is perfect, yet the Comet is excellent IMO.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=133217.msg1412742#msg1412742

Read all the way through especially the bottom of the page.

Like the author, I also cheat by turning up the crossover frequency of my RELs with the Comet. Seems to nullify the DAC’s need for a smidge more oomph. The Curious USB cable and especially the Purist took care of any unwanted excitement on top. 

Dave
lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57 OP
3,018 posts
 
Anybody have any experiences with the Benchmark DAC-2 ? I’ve read some positive reviews and was wondering about its sonic characteristics;
e.g., does it have a smooth top-end, how is the imaging?

shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,333 posts
 
Benchmark DACs have a smooth but detailed top end. They all have a forward presentation in the mid range. I think this works great for far field listening but might be too forward if you sit close to the speakers. Imaging is excellent if you like a tight precise sound field. The bass is extremely detailed and tangible (but not over emphasized) and this is probably the most noticeable difference versus other DACs.

The DAC3 is similar sounding but the clarity and insane industry leading low noise floor and channel separation is a surprisingly audible improvement provided you use it to DIRECTLY to drive your power amp and speakers. No point in running this device with a preamp that will dumb down the performance.

SNR -128 db
Crosstalk -130 dB
THD +N -119 dB

totally insane specs and I was surprised as I didn’t expect any of this to be audible but it is AS LONG as you don’t simply use it to feed another preamp.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
2,766 posts
 
The Wyred4Sound dac2 has the I2S and will work well with the PWT.
erik_squires
5,268 posts
 
I have not auditioned the Mytek Stereo 192, but I can say the Mytek Brooklyn is my favorite among all $2k DAC's.

Best,

E
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