PinoyDVD: The Pinoy Digital Video & Devices Community

Home Theater => Sources => Audio Only Sources => Topic started by: Clinton on Jul 11, 2011 at 10:33 AM

Title: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Clinton on Jul 11, 2011 at 10:33 AM
Hi! any recommendations for DAC which I can hook it up to my PC and amp. Thanks!
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: JoeyGS on Jul 11, 2011 at 10:43 AM
For low budget --- SuperPro 707
For deep pocket ---- Benchmark DAC, M2Tech DAC
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Wildfire™ on Jul 11, 2011 at 12:12 PM
is SuperPro 707 the best dac for its price?
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: cls on Jul 11, 2011 at 10:25 PM
Also check out HRT Music Streamer
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: deuce on Jul 12, 2011 at 07:29 AM
The Rega distributor just brought in the Rega DAC, which has been reaping rave reviews in user forums. But then, it's more than 5x the cost of the SuperPro 707 :).
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: shrek7 on Jul 12, 2011 at 09:46 AM
have heard hrt, very nice for the price!!!!!
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Euphony101 on Jul 12, 2011 at 11:59 AM
(http://[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/euphony101/5929047456/][img]http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6027/5929047456_03f9ae3922_z.jpg)[/url]
DAC_Magic_rear (http://www.flickr.com/photos/euphony101/5929047456/) by Euphony101 (http://www.flickr.com/people/euphony101/), on Flickr[/img]


Whats your take on Dacmagic? any user opinion on this?

I like the connection option for this dac, there are 3 inputs and two outputs. I was thinking, I can hooked up two sources  1- HDX for my rip/ downloaded  music & 2-Use my low end pio dvd player as transport  for CD's.

then

since there are two outputs-one  digital & one analog, I can connect the digital out to my receiver (denon 1910) for multi-channel listing and the analog output to a integrated amp for two channel listing.


Any comments would be appreciated. :)


Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: otep_32 on Jul 12, 2011 at 12:04 PM
The Rega distributor just brought in the Rega DAC, which has been reaping rave reviews in user forums. But then, it's more than 5x the cost of the SuperPro 707 :).
Rega DAC is now available here in the Philippines,PHP36,000 SRP.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: dukesociety on Jul 12, 2011 at 12:12 PM
(http://[url=http://www.flickr.com/photos/euphony101/5929047456/][img]http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6027/5929047456_03f9ae3922_z.jpg)[/url]
DAC_Magic_rear (http://www.flickr.com/photos/euphony101/5929047456/) by Euphony101 (http://www.flickr.com/people/euphony101/), on Flickr[/img]


Whats your take on Dacmagic? any user opinion on this?

I like the connection option for this dac, there are 3 inputs and two outputs. I was thinking, I can hooked up two sources  1- HDX for my rip/ downloaded  music & 2-Use my low end pio dvd player as transport  for CD's.

then

since there are two outputs-one  digital & one analog, I can connect the digital out to my receiver (denon 1910) for multi-channel listing and the analog output to a integrated amp for two channel listing.


Any comments would be appreciated. :)




what hifi winner last year, 'nuff said.

Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Wildfire™ on Jul 12, 2011 at 12:28 PM
pareho lang ba ang soundcard and dac?
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: JoeyGS on Jul 12, 2011 at 12:37 PM
For me, best in price-performace....so the answer is a big YES

is SuperPro 707 the best dac for its price?
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: FrancisD on Jul 12, 2011 at 02:04 PM
@Clinton

Hard to say unless we know what you will be using it for and with. Pls post your PC, soundcards you can use if you have any and the system the dac will be connected to.

If you dont have a good soundcard (isolated like asus xonar) to output digital signals you need at least at a minimum a usb based DAC. Hoping one of your usb ports is not grounded. If you usb ports are grounded you need to fix this issue first before using anything as you will notice at a minimum a hum in your music.

I am assuming its a mid to high end system you will connect this with. Cheapest would be just to get a usb based dac that outputs digital signals and connect this to your receiver to get passable sound quality, much better than standard output from PC.

To go high end, I found it best to use the asus xonar soundcard to output digital signals to an even better dac (asus has a good built in dac). With this digital output, you can really rock and use really good dacs. To use less you will find the pc digital output even from usb is not optimal for maximum sound quality. Just so happens this is the reference system used at stereophile.

Happy shopping ...
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: deuce on Jul 13, 2011 at 09:19 AM

Actually, with a PC, you can dispense with the expensive sound card. Most modern pc motherboards have decent audio codecs and built-in S/PDIF headers.

Just tap the S/PDIF header with two wires ("out" and "gnd" pins - your motherboard manual lists the pinout, or you can use a multitester), then solder the other ends to RCA socket you can buy at ACE hardware ("out" pin to center, "gnd" to body of socket). Then buy whatever length of 75-ohm coaxial cable you need, and terminate each end with RCA (again, you can buy all these at ACE hardware), to connect your motherboard's digital audio stream to the coaxial input of your DAC or receiver. Total cost of materials, plus tip to a technician if you don't solder, should not exceed P800.

Then if you use Foobar as your player with Wasapi, you can get bit-perfect stream. I don't have a proper tester, so I can't swear that the stream I'm getting is bit-perfect, but the sound - to my ears - leaves nothing to be desired. Of course, your mileage may vary depending on the jitter-rejection capability of your DAC or receiver.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: indie boi on Jul 13, 2011 at 09:39 AM
Is there are WASAPI interfaced player for the Mac?
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: rascal101 on Jul 13, 2011 at 11:52 AM
Most motherboards have processors with built in DAC. From what I understand most of these DACs are using Sigma Delta architecture. If the external DAC being proposed is also Sigma Delta architecture (wherein the vast majority are) there is only minimal improvement in sound. It's like going to Jollibee. The biggest Jollibee restaurant maintains the same standard as the smallest one so it's practically the same ambiance. If you really want to have different or better sound for your PC get a motherboard or ext DAC using different DAC architecture. You can look this up by checking the datasheet of the DAC used.

I believe it is better to tweak existing soundcard or motherboard than purchasing an ext DAC which has same DAC architecture as far as price performance ratio is concerned.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Wildfire™ on Jul 13, 2011 at 12:13 PM
i saw asus xonar soundcard using burrbrown, will it be a better choice than an external dac?
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: rascal101 on Jul 13, 2011 at 01:23 PM
For me I would rather tweak the sound card rather than purchasing an external DAC. Personally I'm using pre-1995 sound card. Comparing it's sound to my Yamaha CD-3, Lo-D DAD-800, Sony CDP-750 and Sony CDP-950 it is practically the same. Of course I have some small tweaks that I place in my sound card, PC power supply and my PC speakers. Total BOM (bill of materials) cost of the tweaks is around Php 200. However, time to develop the tweak took me almost two years but since I can use it in many applications I feel it is worth the time.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: rascal101 on Jul 13, 2011 at 11:03 PM
i saw asus xonar soundcard using burrbrown, will it be a better choice than an external dac?

In my experience it does really matter if it is Burr Brown, Analog Devices, Asahi Kasei, Wolfson Microelectronics etc. I know they are all good. With the appropriate base/gate drive circuit, it is possible to make your sound card sound very good you need not have to upgrade.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Wildfire™ on Jul 13, 2011 at 11:16 PM
In my experience it does really matter if it is Burr Brown, Analog Devices, Asahi Kasei, Wolfson Microelectronics etc. I know they are all good. With the appropriate base/gate drive circuit, it is possible to make your sound card sound very good you need not have to upgrade.

how?
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: FrancisD on Jul 14, 2011 at 12:31 AM
@wildfire
Simplest solution is a usb dac / soundcard. If you can borrow any usb dac do so and test your usb ports for any hum. If there isnt any, you can get a good usb dac - there are many now available. Its simple and flexible - you can use this for your netbook and laptops.

I have used turtle beach micro 2 as an optical out quite successfully and its cheap. Sound is good, if you want better get a DAC with optical input. How good? People use it with mid range Dacs and mid-high end equipment.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: rascal101 on Jul 14, 2011 at 04:42 AM
how?

I already mentioned the appropriate base/gate drive circuit. The circuit is placed after the output coupling capacitors - prior to the output jacks or at the wires leading to your powered PC speaker or amp. It is basically the resistor tweak mentioned in the choke thread which targets the sound of vinyl.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Wildfire™ on Jul 14, 2011 at 08:29 AM
Simplest solution is a usb dac / soundcard. If you can borrow any usb dac do so and test your usb ports for any hum. If there isnt any, you can get a good usb dac - there are many now available. Its simple and flexible - you can use this for your netbook and laptops.

I have used turtle beach micro 2 as an optical out quite successfully and its cheap. Sound is good, if you want better get a DAC with optical input. How good? People use it with mid range Dacs and mid-high end equipment.

im a little hesitant to use the usb coz it is easily pulled, i'll try the optical route na lang thanks

Quote
I already mentioned the appropriate base/gate drive circuit. The circuit is placed after the output coupling capacitors - prior to the output jacks or at the wires leading to your powered PC speaker or amp. It is basically the resistor tweak mentioned in the choke thread which targets the sound of vinyl.

oh i havent tried it yet pero i will once na magka spare time, bali ung choke lang brader ang gagawin ko no more snubber?
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: rascal101 on Jul 14, 2011 at 10:41 AM
im a little hesitant to use the usb coz it is easily pulled, i'll try the optical route na lang thanks

oh i havent tried it yet pero i will once na magka spare time, bali ung choke lang brader ang gagawin ko no more snubber?

Yes. No more snubber circuit. Choke lang.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: rascal101 on Apr 27, 2012 at 02:22 PM
I wonder anyone in PDVD has these DACs or CDPs using the D/A chips mentioned below.

DAC
-----
1. S.M.S.L. SD-1955 - based on Analog Devices D/A chip AD-1955
2. Yulong D100 - based on Analog Devices D/A chip AD-1955
3. Yulong Sabre D18 - based on ESS-9018
4. Audio-GD Reference 7 - based on Burr Brown PCM-1704

There are some reviews in the Head-fi.org website.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/493801/interesting-little-dac-optical-coax-input

http://www.head-fi.org/t/499562/review-yulong-d100-dac-amp-reference-quality-with-a-reasonable-price

http://www.head-fi.org/t/586153/yulong-sabre-d18-thread-reviews-impressions-discussion-full-review-added-2-5/300

http://www.head-fi.org/t/466765/audio-gd-reference-7-the-new-flagship-dac
http://www.head-fi.org/t/552185/audio-gd-reference-7-1-dac

Some notes:

a. The Analog Devices AD-1955 is multi-bit Delta Sigma D/A converter chip like the Wolfson WM8740.
b. The ESS-9018 is based on a new DAC architecture which ESS Technology refers to as Hyperstream architecture.
c. The PCM-1704 is based on the R2R ladder which has the oldest and "cleanest" conversion method according to Robert Watson and Richard Kulavik of Burr Brown. Some notable R2R ladder DACs are the PCM53, PCM63 and PCM1702 which have been used in CDPs in the past.

To check what D/A chip you have, below is a link on the D/A chips used by the various DACs and CDPs.

http://www.dutchaudioclassics.nl/the_complete_d_a_dac_converter_list/
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: haboky on May 10, 2012 at 09:13 PM
have heard hrt, very nice for the price!!!!!

yes, hrt music streamer II is nuetral sounding and bang for the buck. :)
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Arulco on May 10, 2012 at 10:03 PM
^ True, 'cept for the clicks and pops when routing audio via WASAPI to the HRT.

The only solution I've found so far is to use JRiver Media Player and its "Event-Style" WASAPI output with the Hardware Buffer size set to 10ms. Problem is, JRiver costs like 50USD which is waaay overpriced in a sea of free music players.

I'm open to recommendations for any free or low-cost alternatives that offer similar output options and run glitch-free with asynchronous USB DACs.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Nelson de Leon on May 10, 2012 at 10:08 PM
^ True, 'cept for the clicks and pops when routing audio via WASAPI to the HRT.

The only solution I've found so far is to use JRiver Media Player and its "Event-Style" WASAPI output with the Hardware Buffer size set to 10ms. Problem is, JRiver costs like 50USD which is waaay overpriced in a sea of free music players.

I'm open to recommendations for any free or low-cost alternatives that offer similar output options and run glitch-free with asynchronous USB DACs.



I'm using foobar on my asynchronous Musiland USB DAC. It works fine with my system naman.  ;)
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Arulco on May 10, 2012 at 10:20 PM
Yeah but I think the HRT is worth keeping for its sound signature alone so I'd rather change the software.

I have noticed that JRiver sounds much better that Foobar anyways. Perhaps there's some DSP enhancement going on under the hood? Thats one other thing that might force me to bite the bitter pill of shelling out so much cash on a piece of music playin' software. :-\ I still have 11 days left on the trial period to look for similar alternatives.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: rascal101 on May 11, 2012 at 02:16 AM
Quote
I'm using foobar on my asynchronous Musiland USB DAC. It works fine with my system naman.  ;)

I am using foobar with the asynchronous Musiland USD 01. It also works fine in my system.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Stagea on May 11, 2012 at 02:55 AM
I am using foobar with the asynchronous Musiland USD 01. It also works fine in my system.

Same here. I'm pretty satisfied with Foobar at the moment, and I've used it with different asynchronous USB devices (from Audiophilleo, M2Tech, Cambridge Audio, NuForce and Musiland).

The current version of MediaMonkey when configured properly (running wasapi exclusive mode, with normalization/leveling/fading disabled) is also quite good.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Stagea on May 11, 2012 at 03:07 AM
The only solution I've found so far is to use JRiver Media Player and its "Event-Style" WASAPI output with the Hardware Buffer size set to 10ms. Problem is, JRiver costs like 50USD which is waaay overpriced in a sea of free music players.

I'm not sure if I've asked this before, but have you used another computer for your DAC? I'm asking because Event-Style WASAPI's greatest advantage is its lower overhead. This makes it a boon for a laboring system.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Arulco on May 11, 2012 at 05:50 AM
No but I'm using it on an pc with an Intel Core i5 2500K, 8 gigs of ram and an SSD. I googled about the issue and there seems to be a quite few user reports of same problem with the HRT and some other DACs. Certain async DACs are sensitive to latency settings in wasapi exlusive mode and only work well at lower settings which is actually more hardware resource intensive for the host computer.

IIRC, "event-style" wasapi is only supposed to enable the DAC to pull the data stream from the computer instead of the other way around ensuring that the external DAC is the one that is doing all the synchronizing and not the usb host computer thus eliminating the aforementioned issue.

I'll try media monkey hopefully its good, otherwise I'll have to stick with Jriver Media Center. In any case, I'm not going back to foobar until the developer implements event-style wasapi exclusive output.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: rascal101 on May 11, 2012 at 06:04 AM
For me, on the Musiland USD 01 foobar running  ASIO sounds better than WASAPI.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Stagea on May 11, 2012 at 06:21 AM
IIRC, "event-style" wasapi is only supposed to enable the DAC to pull the data stream from the computer instead of the other way around making sure that the dac is the one that is doing all the synchronizing and not the usb host computer therefore eliminating the aforementioned issue.
Yes, Event Style reduces operational overhead and allows almost direct to driver access.

In some cases, the popping problem with WASAPI can be USB-compatibility/latency related. Connecting the device to a port with a separate root hub or to another controller altogether often solves the issue.

If your USB controller happens to be from ASmedia, VIA, or some other less popular brand, do not rule out the compatibility issue possibility. Intel, AMD and NEC USB Chipsets have the best compatibility afaik, because of their popularity.
 
For me, on the Musiland USD 01 foobar running  ASIO sounds better than WASAPI.
ASIO allows true integer transfers (though this is no assurance that the driver handles the data in native integer form), while WASAPI uses FP which is reconverted back to Integer. The latter allows for very minute quantification errors, depending on implementation (not true bitperfect, but essentially bitperfect).

Musiland's different driver paths do sound a little different though, which may be the biggest reason for the difference that you noticed. One path often sounds better than the other, depending on how it melds with the rest of the system. Driver updates for Musiland products also often include firmware flashes, which can make changes to the sonic signature.

Also try setting the sample rate mode to Precision. This can reduce jitter and spdif lock issues.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: haboky on May 12, 2012 at 11:22 AM
^ True, 'cept for the clicks and pops when routing audio via WASAPI to the HRT.

The only solution I've found so far is to use JRiver Media Player and its "Event-Style" WASAPI output with the Hardware Buffer size set to 10ms. Problem is, JRiver costs like 50USD which is waaay overpriced in a sea of free music players.

I'm open to recommendations for any free or low-cost alternatives that offer similar output options and run glitch-free with asynchronous USB DACs.


haven't heard any clicks and pops when i auditioned it. it was connected to a mac with itunes. have you tried using foobar? thanks..  :)
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Arulco on May 15, 2012 at 09:05 PM
Judging from what I've read from the various forums on the Musicstreamer, Mac users seem to be unaffected. Both the Jriver and foobar2k devs claim that it is an issue that has something to do with the Windows Vista/7 audio stack. Hopefully this would be fixed with Windows 8.

I've been a long-time foobar2000 user until recently. Direct sound works, WASAPI = clicks and pops.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: deuce on May 16, 2012 at 06:27 PM
Windows 7 here. Absolutely no clicks or pops via optical out from motherboard audio to Foobar 2000 through WASAPI to Rega DAC. Quadcore Phenom II with 8 gig ram.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: haboky on May 16, 2012 at 07:25 PM
Judging from what I've read from the various forums on the Musicstreamer, Mac users seem to be unaffected. Both the Jriver and foobar2k devs claim that it is an issue that has something to do with the Windows Vista/7 audio stack. Hopefully this would be fixed with Windows 8.

I've been a long-time foobar2000 user until recently. Direct sound works, WASAPI = clicks and pops.

thanks for the info °BSΩLE†e. I have same experience with my fiio e10. It has pops and clicks with foobar2k and wasapi.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Arulco on May 16, 2012 at 09:23 PM
Windows 7 here. Absolutely no clicks or pops via optical out from motherboard audio to Foobar 2000 through WASAPI to Rega DAC. Quadcore Phenom II with 8 gig ram.

I used to have foobar2k configured with WASAPI outputting to a DAC hooked up via Toslink optical. All this running under Windows 7 and I never experienced any clicks and pops on that setup. The glitches only affect certain DACs interfaced via USB.

Regardless, problem solved with JRiver Media Center 17, WASAPI Exclusive Mode output: Event-Style with the hardware buffer set to 10ms. As an added bonus, the sound quality's much improved over foobar2k. It'll take some time to get used to the bloat of MC17 though. ;D
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Arulco on Jun 09, 2012 at 06:12 PM
I'm back to using foobar2000. Installed the latest version 1.1.13 with the WASAPI output plugin version 3.0 beta 4 set to event-style (pull mode). No more glitches with the HRT even with the hardware buffer set high. Nice!  ;D
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: haboky on Jun 09, 2012 at 06:22 PM
I'm back to using foobar2000. Installed the latest version 1.1.13 with the WASAPI output plugin version 3.0 beta 4 set to event-style (pull mode). No more glitches with the HRT even with the hardware buffer set high. Nice!  ;D

nice.. in my case, i'm using a self powered hub as advised by Kevin of HRT. It opened up the sound stage and the bass is now more pronounced.  ;D ;D
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Arulco on Jun 09, 2012 at 06:41 PM
I'm also now using a Belkin self-powered USB hub with my HRT. It really cleaned up the sound quality of the DAC which sounded a bit harsh without it. I guess the hub helped isolate the DAC from the "weak and dirty" power of the computer's USB ports.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: haboky on Jun 09, 2012 at 07:07 PM
i sometimes hear white noise if i increase the bit/depth rate to 24/96.. though this could be because of the poor bandwidth of my usb port.  >:(
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Stagea on Jun 10, 2012 at 02:24 AM
i sometimes hear white noise if i increase the bit/depth rate to 24/96.. though this could be because of the poor bandwidth of my usb port.  >:(

Z370 has USB 2.0 ports. USB 2.0 is more than enough for 24/96.

Check your software extensively. If everything checks out, try a different DAC.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: haboky on Jun 10, 2012 at 08:37 AM
Z370 has USB 2.0 ports. USB 2.0 is more than enough for 24/96.

Check your software extensively. If everything checks out, try a different DAC.

thanks for the advise..  :)
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: haboky on Jun 10, 2012 at 08:06 PM
just an update. i used a shorter usb cable (1.5mtrs) it eliminated the static noise.. :D
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Arulco on Jun 10, 2012 at 08:26 PM
FYI, foobar2k WASAPI 3.0 Beta 5 plugin is out. It solved the occasional pauses that I encountered with the previous betas.  It just keeps on getting better and better. :)
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: haboky on Jun 16, 2012 at 06:37 PM
thanks for the suggestion.. i am now using wasapi beta 5.. minimized the pause and pops..   ;D
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Arulco on Jun 23, 2012 at 04:36 PM
If you really want to get rid of those annoying clicks and pops once and for all, just use Direct Sound output. Seriously.

I can't hear the difference between DS and WASAPI anyway. At least in foobar2000.  ;D
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: haboky on Jun 23, 2012 at 07:19 PM
yup.. you're right.. i can't distinguish which sounds better.. hehe..  ;D
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Nelson de Leon on Jan 16, 2013 at 06:28 PM
Any users of Cambridge Audio DAC Magic Plus or 100? Any impressions? :)

I've had CA 740C.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: deo on Jan 21, 2013 at 09:49 AM
Nice piece of hardware boss nelson! iniisip ko nga rin ung CDP w/ DAC...kasi konti lang difference sa price, may CDP na :)

I've had CA 740C.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: deo on Jan 21, 2013 at 03:07 PM
Dedicated DAC VS CD player with DAC

Would a CD Player with DAC perform as well as a dedicated DAC?

The Audiolab M-DAC is $1070.  for $300 more, i can get the Audiolab 8200CD CDPlayer w/ DAC instead  :-\

Thanks! :)

(http://www.audiolab.co.uk/images/MDAC/AH_MDAC5.jpg)

(http://www.acton-gate-audio.co.uk/products/product_images/8200CD%2003.jpg)
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: raider125jeigh on Jan 21, 2013 at 03:09 PM
Dedicated DAC VS CD player with DAC

Would a CD Player with DAC perform as well as a dedicated DAC?

The Audiolab M-DAC is $1070.  for $300 more, i can get the Audiolab 8200CD CDPlayer w/ DAC instead  :-\

Thanks! :)

(http://www.audiolab.co.uk/images/MDAC/AH_MDAC5.jpg)

(http://www.acton-gate-audio.co.uk/products/product_images/8200CD%2003.jpg)
what are your needs?
if you preffered orig CD then ill go with cdp
you may also buy both or
you may purchase DAC and buy cheap cdp for transport
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: deo on Jan 21, 2013 at 04:10 PM
may konting CD collections ako...For now, ang gusto ko talaga to hook up my pc and iphone/ipod. Ganun na nga lang cguro, next time na ung cdp. Medyo nang hinayang kasi ako $300 na lang, may cdp na.

Anyway, wla ring headphone jack ung 8000cd ung 8000cdQ meron, kaso $600 more. Thanks!
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: raider125jeigh on Jan 21, 2013 at 04:18 PM
may konting CD collections ako...For now, ang gusto ko talaga to hook up my pc and iphone/ipod. Ganun na nga lang cguro, next time na ung cdp. Medyo nang hinayang kasi ako $300 na lang, may cdp na.

Anyway, wla ring headphone jack ung 8000cd ung 8000cdQ meron, kaso $600 more. Thanks!
on your needs you need DAC ....
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: deo on Jan 21, 2013 at 09:19 PM
Thanks sir! :)

on your needs you need DAC ....
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: ♡ lvcdg23™ ✌ on Feb 08, 2013 at 10:53 PM
For a budget of around 20-30K, what DAC would you recommend that is the most analog sounding?
And has optical/coax inputs and also capable of 24bit/192KHz files...
USB connectivity is not necessary coz I will use my cd player and music streamer as sources...

Thanks :)
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: raider125jeigh on Feb 08, 2013 at 11:33 PM
Rega and mf m1 hihihi
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: ♡ lvcdg23™ ✌ on Feb 08, 2013 at 11:54 PM
Rega and mf m1 hihihi

Nasa listahan ko yan sis...
Ok din kaya yung Schit saka CA Dac Magic Plus?
Title: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: mangboy on Feb 08, 2013 at 11:57 PM
NAD M51 he he he
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: ♡ lvcdg23™ ✌ on Feb 09, 2013 at 12:08 AM
NAD M51 he he he

Cge sis Jay dagdagan mo yung budget ko ha... Hehehe
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: resident_evil on Feb 09, 2013 at 12:19 AM
I was able to try the DAC Magic Plus. Did not match my gears. Too thin, dry, and lifeless.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: ♡ lvcdg23™ ✌ on Feb 09, 2013 at 12:22 AM
I was able to try the DAC Magic Plus. Did not match my gears. Too thin, dry, and lifeless.

Thanks Atty. Karl

Will cross it out on my list ;D
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: timber715 on Feb 09, 2013 at 02:54 AM
Out of your current budget loiue, would you still want to home audition the w4s dac 2? Or maybe the mInt which is an integrated amp with a built in dac.... For future reference lang naman.
Let me know so I can hook you up... No point looking for a weak link in you already highend setup....
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: ♡ lvcdg23™ ✌ on Feb 09, 2013 at 08:32 AM
Out of your current budget loiue, would you still want to home audition the w4s dac 2? Or maybe the mInt which is an integrated amp with a built in dac.... For future reference lang naman.
Let me know so I can hook you up... No point looking for a weak link in you already highend setup....

Wow thanks so much sir Sonny for the generous offer.
Pag isipan ko po kasi baka maiyak lang ako kapag yan nga ang hinahanap ko kasi times 3 ata price nya compared with my budget, hehehe ;D
Katulad nung mga dinala nila dodie at mangboy na highend TT last week, naiyak kaming lahat sa ganda pero mas naiyak kami sa presyo... ;D
Pero I read great things about the w4s dac 2... I'm sure it would perfectly fit my system.
The thing is, it will not fit my pocket, hehehe
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Courage on Feb 09, 2013 at 09:27 AM
Nasa listahan ko yan sis...
Ok din kaya yung Schit saka CA Dac Magic Plus?


REGA, NAD M51, M2Tech Young, AudioLab
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: ♡ lvcdg23™ ✌ on Feb 09, 2013 at 09:29 AM

REGA, NAD M51, M2Tech Young, AudioLab

Rega lang ata pasok sa budget ko dyan sis... Hehehe

Teka buti naman at nagpaparamdam kana, hehe ;D
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Courage on Feb 09, 2013 at 09:45 AM
Rega lang ata pasok sa budget ko dyan sis... Hehehe

Teka buti naman at nagpaparamdam kana, hehe ;D

Ikaw pa nakaka bili ka ng Harbeth, apat na SVS sub, PJ na worth 150k, hignd na Pioneer.. Imposibleng di mo ma afford ang mga sinabi ko... Kahit bilhin mo lahat yan kayang kaya mo he he he...

OT
Busy sobra araw araw.. Puro trabaho he he he...
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: raider125jeigh on Feb 09, 2013 at 09:49 AM
Thanks Atty. Karl

Will cross it out on my list ;D

pahiram ko muna sayo ung VDAC II SIS
maganda na sya for entry level
ung M1 dedicated lang ung power supply pero if you can sort out good psu maganda sya
para macompare mo lang na mas may igaganda pa ung higher models
rega mas malambot
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: JoeyGS on Feb 09, 2013 at 11:03 AM
Try the HRT Music Streamer Pro.  My friend had excellent results with it and I heard it.  If I did not have an existing DAC I would get the HRT Music Streamer Pro. I like it than the Rega DAC.  I recommend this as you indicated that your budget is within the price of the Rega DAC.

Btw, the limitation pala is that it only has a USB input.


Rega lang ata pasok sa budget ko dyan sis... Hehehe

Teka buti naman at nagpaparamdam kana, hehe ;D
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: ♡ lvcdg23™ ✌ on Feb 09, 2013 at 11:40 AM
Try the HRT Music Streamer Pro.  My friend had excellent results with it and I heard it.  If I did not have an existing DAC I would get the HRT Music Streamer Pro. I like it than the Rega DAC.  I recommend this as you indicated that your budget is within the price of the Rega DAC.

Btw, the limitation pala is that it only has a USB input.



Thanks sir Joey :)

Sayang if USB interface lang cya.
I want to concentrate kasi with my NP30 and Cayin CD17 as sources.
If I will use my laptop parang magiging useless na si NP30... Sayang naman ;D
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: ndotcom on Feb 09, 2013 at 01:52 PM
Try mo sis yung benchmark DAC1 sa MP, baka pwede home audition maganda reviews nyan at sought after nung new release nyan, alam ko wala pa yata USB yan yung DAC2 ata ang meron and nasa price range mo..
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Audio Excellence on Feb 09, 2013 at 05:12 PM
Go For the NuForce HDP DAC.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: JoeyGS on Feb 09, 2013 at 06:50 PM
+1

And if you need it with a computer, just look for a USB to SPDIF converter

Try mo sis yung benchmark DAC1 sa MP, baka pwede home audition maganda reviews nyan at sought after nung new release nyan, alam ko wala pa yata USB yan yung DAC2 ata ang meron and nasa price range mo..
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: ♡ lvcdg23™ ✌ on Feb 09, 2013 at 10:19 PM
Go For the NuForce HDP DAC.

Could you give an in depth personal review of that DAC and why do you recommend it?
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: ♡ lvcdg23™ ✌ on Feb 09, 2013 at 10:21 PM
+1

And if you need it with a computer, just look for a USB to SPDIF converter


Have you already heard or auditioned one sir Joey?
Very interesting mga reviews... :)
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Timithekid on Feb 09, 2013 at 10:25 PM
Thanks sir Joey :)

Sayang if USB interface lang cya.
I want to concentrate kasi with my NP30 and Cayin CD17 as sources.
If I will use my laptop parang magiging useless na si NP30... Sayang naman ;D

Benta mo na lang np30 sakin hehehe.

Back to topic...have you tried yung DAC nila ivan? The musiland? Highly recommended ni konsi Nelson and mr. Google yon!:)
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Courage on Feb 09, 2013 at 10:26 PM
Have you already heard or auditioned one sir Joey?
Very interesting mga reviews... :)

Brader maganda review nang Benchmark DAC1... Try mo..
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: ♡ lvcdg23™ ✌ on Feb 09, 2013 at 11:01 PM
Benta mo na lang np30 sakin hehehe.

Back to topic...have you tried yung DAC nila ivan? The musiland? Highly recommended ni konsi Nelson and mr. Google yon!:)

USB input lang kasi cya sis eh...
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: ♡ lvcdg23™ ✌ on Feb 09, 2013 at 11:01 PM
Brader maganda review nang Benchmark DAC1... Try mo..

Cge enge pambili para matry... Wehehe
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Courage on Feb 10, 2013 at 12:03 AM
Cge enge pambili para matry... Wehehe

Sure.. punta ka sa seller tapos sabihin mo lang pangalan ko wahehehehe
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Kamote-Tops on Feb 10, 2013 at 12:14 AM
anybody tried the Cary Xciter DAC? 
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: JoeyGS on Feb 10, 2013 at 09:39 AM
For the benchmark DAC, there a lot of reviews but I can recommend the review at sixmoons.com.  I am not so good at describing but the review at sixmoons describe it well.

Have you already heard or auditioned one sir Joey?
Very interesting mga reviews... :)
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Timithekid on Feb 10, 2013 at 09:44 AM
USB input lang kasi cya sis eh...

Ah ganon ba? Nyak, hindi nga ubra hahaha hindi pwede gamitin sa np-30 and cd player...
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: raider125jeigh on Feb 10, 2013 at 09:44 AM
ive read the sixmoons hihihi....mukhang ok hehe..
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: ♡ lvcdg23™ ✌ on Feb 10, 2013 at 09:52 AM
Ipapareserve ko na ba? Hihihi ^-^
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Courage on Feb 10, 2013 at 01:52 PM
Ipapareserve ko na ba? Hihihi ^-^

Go go go go... ano pa antay mo..
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: ♡ lvcdg23™ ✌ on Feb 10, 2013 at 02:40 PM
Go go go go... ano pa antay mo..

Wala na sis...
Di pla pwede yung napag-usapan natin sa text kanina :(
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: sgxp on Feb 11, 2013 at 11:55 PM
i like the pro dacs, super 707 and benchmark...boringly good
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: deo on Feb 28, 2013 at 08:23 AM
boss louie, i am using the audiolab m-dac.  Na compare ko lang sya vs dac magic plus, mas nagustuhan ko ang tunog.  but the dac magic plus doesn't sound bad.  although i am not an audiophile to judge :P  Maraming users ng m-dac dto sa SG.  Magaganda naman ang feedback.  Mas mahal nga lang talaga sya ng Php10k ;D  Isa pang nagustuhan ko sa m-dac is ung connectivity nya.  I was able to hook both my amp and powered speakers at the same time (RCA and BALANCE)
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: gutchy on Feb 28, 2013 at 10:40 AM
Sir you can try Audio-gd DAC specially this one..  >:D
http://www.audio-gd.com/Master/Master-7/M7EN.htm (http://www.audio-gd.com/Master/Master-7/M7EN.htm)

or with the SABRE ES9018 DAC
http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/dac/NFB7.32/NFB7.32EN.htm (http://www.audio-gd.com/Pro/dac/NFB7.32/NFB7.32EN.htm)
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: edwin on Mar 27, 2013 at 08:01 PM
boss louie, i am using the audiolab m-dac.  Na compare ko lang sya vs dac magic plus, mas nagustuhan ko ang tunog.  but the dac magic plus doesn't sound bad.  although i am not an audiophile to judge :P  Maraming users ng m-dac dto sa SG.  Magaganda naman ang feedback.  Mas mahal nga lang talaga sya ng Php10k ;D  Isa pang nagustuhan ko sa m-dac is ung connectivity nya.  I was able to hook both my amp and powered speakers at the same time (RCA and BALANCE)

Pre minsan dalhin mo ang M-dac mo. Side by side natin sa Valab DAC ko. :)
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: jh@meeh on Jun 15, 2013 at 10:43 AM
DAC Price List 2013
http://www.alldacinfo.com/?page_id=242


DSD-Ready DACs
http://www.audiostream.com/content/dsd-ready-dacs-short-list
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Sanjay on Jun 15, 2013 at 09:05 PM
You should consider the DACS from NuForce, check out www.nuforce.com
Title: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: remixprod on Sep 02, 2013 at 04:39 PM
Hi Sirs! Is the M-Dac available locally? Any leads , TIA!
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: ilongranger on Sep 03, 2013 at 06:12 AM
Am using an audiolab mdac and very pleased with it. It is very flexible and can be used as a preamp or headphone amp. You could also customize the sound on the fly. Sound is full rich and prat is very good.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: ti on Aug 04, 2014 at 09:00 PM
ano na po ba ang okey na dac na maganda para sa tube amp.

yun po sana locally available.

salamat
Title: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: mykel18 on Aug 04, 2014 at 09:04 PM
^budget sir?
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: ti on Aug 04, 2014 at 09:34 PM
8-25k po
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: fentom on Aug 04, 2014 at 09:40 PM
Get the Odac sir. Around 7-8k on egghead
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: ti on Aug 04, 2014 at 10:03 PM
ang music (flac) source ko po ay acryan hd3, okay naman pero i was hoping na malaki magiging improvement ko dadaan sa maganda dac. meron din po kasi onkyo avr maganda naman pero iba pa rin talaga ang tube.
hanap ko sana is my optical in para sa optical ng acryan ko sa plug.

salamat
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: CoolTOYZPH on Aug 04, 2014 at 10:04 PM
It will be beneficial if you plan in advance the primary use.
1) Is it purely for computer use? USB
2) CDP or SACD? COAX, AES, Optical
3) Blu-ray or Universal Player? HDMI
4) How many inputs do you need per input type?
There are some DACs that have better USB input than COAX and vise versa.

Then also consider the input of your tube amp as this will dictate the needed output of the DAC.
a) RCA?
b) Balanced Line?

A Third consideration is if you need volume control with remote for the DAC if your Tube Pre-amp does not have a remote.

With these three considerations, hopefully you will avoid an immediate upgrade.

ano na po ba ang okey na dac na maganda para sa tube amp.

yun po sana locally available.

salamat
Title: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: mykel18 on Aug 04, 2014 at 10:07 PM
Better to get a dac/streamer than to use the ac ryan as source.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: raider125jeigh on Aug 04, 2014 at 10:13 PM
8-25k po

MF M1 Dac
MF VDAC II

Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: ti on Aug 04, 2014 at 10:41 PM
salamat po mga sir.

bale heto po ang priority ko.

1.coax , optical , usb input
2. rca output 1 or 2
3. 12v or 220v supply
4. kasing laki lang ng nmt
5. notable brand
6. maganda international review
7. volume at headphone pwede pero kahit wala
8. importante mabibili agad ASAP.   

type ko po sana yung arcam irdac kaso walo po ata local distro. at yung mga notabvle brand na na discuss sa thread. maski used po pwede na rin po sa akin.

maraming salamt

 


Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: CoolTOYZPH on Aug 05, 2014 at 10:50 AM
Try the NAD D 1050 USB DAC http://nadelectronics.com/products/dac/D-1050-USB-DAC

D 1050 USB 24/192 DAC
Asynchronous 24/192 USB input
2 x Optical, 2 x Coaxial SPDIF Inputs
Balanced XLR and Single Ended Outputs
Discrete High Performance Headphone Amplifier
Remote Power Supply

5Star Review: http://www.whathifi.com/nad/d-1050/review

And it is available in the local market with Distributor Warranty.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: disturbed on Aug 05, 2014 at 03:20 PM
salamat po mga sir.

bale heto po ang priority ko.

1.coax , optical , usb input
2. rca output 1 or 2
3. 12v or 220v supply
4. kasing laki lang ng nmt
5. notable brand
6. maganda international review
7. volume at headphone pwede pero kahit wala
8. importante mabibili agad ASAP.   

type ko po sana yung arcam irdac kaso walo po ata local distro. at yung mga notabvle brand na na discuss sa thread. maski used po pwede na rin po sa akin.

maraming salamt

 




https://emotiva.com/products/electronics/stealth-dc-1
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: ti on Aug 05, 2014 at 04:02 PM
Quote
https://emotiva.com/products/electronics/stealth-dc-1

salamat po check ko.

saan po ba ito mabibili kung sakali?

salamat
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: disturbed on Aug 05, 2014 at 04:24 PM
salamat po check ko.

saan po ba ito mabibili kung sakali?

salamat

lahat ng options check na sana except sa number 8 hehe..online store lang sila sir and nasa US..
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: ti on Aug 05, 2014 at 05:02 PM
Quote
lahat ng options check na sana except sa number 8 hehe..online store lang sila sir and nasa US..

oo nga po, back reading review mukhang winner pa naman.

na rescan ko na ulit mp natin kayo sobrang bilis pa mabenta ang magagandang dac dito sa atin.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: dodie on Aug 05, 2014 at 05:17 PM
oo nga po, back reading review mukhang winner pa naman.

na rescan ko na ulit mp natin kayo sobrang bilis pa mabenta ang magagandang dac dito sa atin.


can ask elim(ernest) about it. he can source that for you.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: ti on Aug 05, 2014 at 08:26 PM
salamat po na pm ko na po
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: jh@meeh on Aug 05, 2014 at 08:34 PM
salamat po mga sir.

bale heto po ang priority ko.

1.coax , optical , usb input
2. rca output 1 or 2
3. 12v or 220v supply
4. kasing laki lang ng nmt
5. notable brand
6. maganda international review
7. volume at headphone pwede pero kahit wala
8. importante mabibili agad ASAP.   

type ko po sana yung arcam irdac kaso walo po ata local distro. at yung mga notabvle brand na na discuss sa thread. maski used po pwede na rin po sa akin.

maraming salamt

 



exasound e20 DAC sir..pasok lahat sa requirement mo.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: mbtorn on Aug 05, 2014 at 08:47 PM
exasound e20 DAC sir..pasok lahat sa requirement mo.

Except the price...;D

8-25k po
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: jh@meeh on Aug 05, 2014 at 08:53 PM
Back read kaya muna ko...hahaha...Baka kasi ma witch hunt..hihihi
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Superman on Aug 05, 2014 at 08:59 PM
Teac UD-501
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: raider125jeigh on Aug 05, 2014 at 09:00 PM
pamahal na ng pamahal yan ah hehehe...
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Courage on Aug 05, 2014 at 09:36 PM
Teac UD-501

Like ko to he he he
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: mrquery on Aug 05, 2014 at 10:21 PM
Sir by any chance you know a seller willing to audition us the ud501? Also to which DAC the ud501 triumph over base on your comparison po?

Teac UD-501
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: ti on Aug 06, 2014 at 05:29 AM
salamat po mga sir,

check ko yan mga yan.

max ko na po siguro ang 25k.

Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: 1 high-fi street on Aug 07, 2014 at 06:34 PM
Sir by any chance you know a seller willing to audition us the ud501? Also to which DAC the ud501 triumph over base on your comparison po?

Hi mrquery,

We have the TEAC UD-501 on stock should you like to hear it.  :)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/1_high-fi_street/teacud501_zps08fd83c5.jpg)

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/1_high-fi_street/d17cc615-e3b3-47fe-8721-ecf0050dbb3a_zpsc95de950.jpg)
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: ti on Aug 07, 2014 at 09:53 PM
Quote
We the TEAC UD-501 on stock should you like to hear it

pa pm po ng price, at kung ano pa po available na dac.

salamat
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: 1 high-fi street on Aug 08, 2014 at 11:07 AM
pa pm po ng price, at kung ano pa po available na dac.

salamat

PM sent to you Sir.  :)

(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e13/1_high-fi_street/d17cc615-e3b3-47fe-8721-ecf0050dbb3a_zpsc95de950.jpg)
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: ti on Aug 09, 2014 at 09:36 AM
Quote
PM sent to you Sir.

salamat po kaso medyo over budget ako dyan.

kung sakali may demo unit na binebenta , pabulong na lang ...salamat

good am po.

Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: meat_eater on Dec 29, 2014 at 02:51 PM
MF M1 Dac
MF VDAC II



I too am on the hunt for a good but "inexpensive" USB DAC. So I texted Rex and dropped by Watt HIFI for the inevitable audition :)

Ive heard the M1 then side by side sa NAD d1050.

Ohhh, that was hard :D .... very similar sound... Although lamang ung MF in terms of build quality.

The NAD had little more bass, albeit in a bad way - I found it bloated and lacked the necessary grip/control. However,  it had better overall clarity in the mids and the highs over the M1.

at least as far as I'm concerned, the NAD edges out the Musical Fidelity on this one, especially since it's cheaper by a few thousands.

Assocoiated equipment were:
NAD D1050
Musical Fidelity M1 DAC (Used xindak power cord - if that matters)
Rex's Laptop - Foobar via asynchronous USB.
NAD C516bee - For testing as stand alone vs cdp connected to the DAC/s.
NAD 575bee
PSB Imagine XT
Not sure on what line conditioner it was plugged - again if that matters :)

Will try the cambridge DACs next.

Cheers



Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: BongerDude on Dec 29, 2014 at 02:53 PM
Mahirap i-audition ang mga DACs unless BROKEN-IN na.

Mahaba ang break-in period ng mga DACs kasi.  Sobrang pangit nya out of the box.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: meat_eater on Dec 29, 2014 at 03:05 PM
Mahirap i-audition ang mga DACs unless BROKEN-IN na.

Mahaba ang break-in period ng mga DACs kasi.  Sobrang pangit nya out of the box.

Yun lang :) hehehe

Para na din dun sa mga interested sa USB lang, I had a chance to borrow my cousin's Musiland 03 (had it for about a month), and I would say it's pretty good for the price. I just wanted to hear how much better/worse lang ung iba.

:)
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: esr101 on Dec 29, 2014 at 03:20 PM
i have a dragonfly usb dac and for me it satisfy my audio needs. Plus, its very portable
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: AAudio on Jan 02, 2016 at 05:18 PM

Hello Sirs,

whats your take on Muse Nos Dac TDA1543x4?

thanks
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: pa3ck608 on Jan 02, 2016 at 05:43 PM
Mahirap i-audition ang mga DACs unless BROKEN-IN na.

Mahaba ang break-in period ng mga DACs kasi.  Sobrang pangit nya out of the box.

It would also depend on the associated equipment. Hence, the best way to audition is to borrow one and try it with your current setup.

Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: saltuhin on Feb 17, 2016 at 08:27 PM
Need help.
My superpro 707 dac is acting up. Merong hissing sound sa left channel even in the absence of a signal. I tried looking inside puro smt parts. May pag-asa pa kaya ito o maging expensive paper weight na lang.

Inputs appreciated. Thanks.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: fishda on Apr 03, 2016 at 10:56 PM
Any place I could have my topping d20 DAC modified? Like installing bigger capaicitors.

I just want to see if there's going to be any changes.

Thank you.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: rascal101 on Jun 10, 2016 at 11:48 AM
Anyone with experience on the Asahi Kasei Microdevices AK4393 (Advanced Multi-bit 96KHz 24bit Delta Sigma D/A) or AK4396 (Advanced Multi-bit 192KHz 24 bit Delta Sigma D/A) based DACs?

Just a background, the Sony Playstation PS1 uses AK4309AVM 16 bit Delta Sigma D/A. From feedback from various members, the PS1 is one of the most analog sounding systems.

Feedback on the Sony PS1 and some improvements
http://dogbreath.de/PS1/index.html (http://dogbreath.de/PS1/index.html)

Discussion here on the DACs...
http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/digital-source/186245-dac-2496-ak4393-dac-kit-cs8416-ak4393-5532-a.html (http://www.diyaudio.com/forums/digital-source/186245-dac-2496-ak4393-dac-kit-cs8416-ak4393-5532-a.html)

Review from Lukasz Fikus on the Behringer Ultramatch PRO SRC2496 which uses the AK4393
http://lampizator.eu/LAMPIZATOR/TRANSPORT/behringer/Behringer.html (http://lampizator.eu/LAMPIZATOR/TRANSPORT/behringer/Behringer.html)

he says "Have I found the best DAC in the World ? I can assure you - I am DAMN CLOSE !"

Some low cost AK4393 and AK4396 based DACs in Taobao.

AK4393 DAC (planning to buy)
https://2.taobao.com/item.htm?id=522047392279&spm=a230r.1.14.180.El5ioB&ns=1&abbucket=2#detail (https://2.taobao.com/item.htm?id=522047392279&spm=a230r.1.14.180.El5ioB&ns=1&abbucket=2#detail)

AK4396 DAC
https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.15.nhZwz4&id=41832601071&ns=1&abbucket=2#detail (https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.15.nhZwz4&id=41832601071&ns=1&abbucket=2#detail)

Upgrade to this AK4396 D/A board at a later time ...
https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.167.DmIVrA&id=14688152376&ns=1&abbucket=2#detail (https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.167.DmIVrA&id=14688152376&ns=1&abbucket=2#detail)
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: rascal101 on Jun 10, 2016 at 12:10 PM
AK4393 DAC from Taobao

(https://img.alicdn.com/bao/uploaded/i1/TB1vJsuKXXXXXbZaXXXphCn_VXX_728x728.jpg)

(https://img.alicdn.com/imgextra/i2/341454231/TB2SSsndXXXXXcaXXXXXXXXXXXX_!!341454231.jpg_728x728.jpg)

(https://img.alicdn.com/imgextra/i1/341454231/TB2OfxKfpXXXXcKXXXXXXXXXXXX_!!341454231.jpg_728x728.jpg)
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: rascal101 on Jun 10, 2016 at 12:13 PM
Lukasz Fikus Lampsized Behringer Ultramatch PRO SRC2496 DAC

(http://lampizator.eu/LAMPIZATOR/TRANSPORT/behringer/20090707-20090707-_MG_9442.JPG)
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: rascal101 on Jun 10, 2016 at 03:51 PM
Just bought AK4495SEQ based DAC.

https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.121.wpoeKf&id=533298542743&ns=1&abbucket=2#detail (https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.121.wpoeKf&id=533298542743&ns=1&abbucket=2#detail)

From AKM website, "VERITA" AK4495SEQ, 123dB 768kHz/32-bit 2ch Delta Sigma D/A chip.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: nogo on Jun 10, 2016 at 04:01 PM
Just bought AK4495SEQ based DAC.

https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.121.wpoeKf&id=533298542743&ns=1&abbucket=2#detail (https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.121.wpoeKf&id=533298542743&ns=1&abbucket=2#detail)

Kindly share impression of the DAC sir.

Thanks

From AKM website, "VERITA" AK4495SEQ, 123dB 768kHz/32-bit 2ch Delta Sigma D/A chip.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: rascal101 on Jun 10, 2016 at 04:04 PM
^Ok. Will receive item probably Monday next week so give me at least a week for "burn-in" before giving my listening impressions.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: rascal101 on Jun 10, 2016 at 05:41 PM
At the price range offered by the the AK4495S DAC above, it just uses an AK4118A transceiver which is specified as a 192KHz 24bit. This means we cannot maximize the AK4495 DAC capability of 768KHz 32bit. I guess for this kind of capability need to buy a more expensive DAC. Or replace the transceiver with better one in the future.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: avshop on Jun 10, 2016 at 06:10 PM
Check out emotiva audio big ego DAC. :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: rascal101 on Jun 10, 2016 at 07:59 PM
Good reviews on this Emotiva Big Ego USB DAC however, I prefer one with a built in power supply and with a precision crystal oscillator (rather squarish in shape).

I am not that mobile and prefer tweaking and adding additional circuitry. Not much room for playing with this kind of USB DAC.

Please refer to below picture on the middle upper portion to the right of the orange capacitor (showing the crystal oscillator).
(https://img.alicdn.com/imgextra/i1/673438065/TB2WFSFfFXXXXcLXXXXXXXXXXXX_!!673438065.jpg)
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: rascal101 on Jun 11, 2016 at 07:24 PM
I have an SMSL SD-1955 DAC based on the Analog Devices AD1955 D/A which supports 24 bits 192KHz PCM audio data and an upcoming AK4495 DAC based on the AK4495SEQ D/A which can support 32 bits and 768KHz PCM audio data. Specs wise seems like no contest however, since the AK4495 DAC is configured for 24 bits 192KHz things may get interesting.

Comparing the D/A chips further, the AD1955 D/A is configured for differential output current whereas the AK4495SEQ D/A is configured for differential output voltage. Further at 24 bits resolution, S/N & THD+N is 120dB & 110dB on the AD chip and 123dB & 105dB on the AK chip which looks quite even.

Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: enygma on Jun 12, 2016 at 04:23 PM
nice dac. most 'treasures' can be found in taobao. bought my teradak (sold it) and matri mini-i dac from taobao. actually almost all of my portable audio items came from taobao. that's one reason why i missed working in china =)

(http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx67/teyenygma/DSC_0579.jpg) (http://s742.photobucket.com/user/teyenygma/media/DSC_0579.jpg.html)

(http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx67/teyenygma/DSC_1076.jpg) (http://s742.photobucket.com/user/teyenygma/media/DSC_1076.jpg.html)

using matrix mini-i connected from ibasso dx100 (thru optical) to feed signal to my shengya amp.

(http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx67/teyenygma/DSC_0222.jpg) (http://s742.photobucket.com/user/teyenygma/media/DSC_0222.jpg.html)

yung line conditioner ko na bada lb-5500 ay binili ko nung mga time na nagsisimula akong mag-set up ng audio sa shanghai nun. parang less than 5k lang bili ko nun. gulat nga ako na nasa 12k pala dito yun. hehehe
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: rascal101 on Jun 12, 2016 at 04:48 PM
Ganda ng mga gamit mo Sir :)

Ako naman miss ko Shenzhen. Dati rati napakadali ng pumunta ng Huaqiang Bei para umiskor ng gamit ngayon kailangan pa ako sumakay ng Ferry papuntang Shekou tapos sakay ng MTR. Halos 3 oras din bago ka makarating. Sabi sa akin dami rin daw sa may Guangzhou (mga isang oras via MTR) kaya lang hindi ako pamilyar sa lugar.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: enygma on Jun 12, 2016 at 05:09 PM
Ganda ng mga gamit mo Sir :)

Salamat. Ako naman miss ko Shenzhen. Dati rati napakadali ng pumunta ng Huaqiang Bei para umiskor ng gamit ngayon kailangan pa ako sumakay ng Ferry papuntang Shekou tapos sakay ng MTR. Halos 3 oras din bago ka makarating. Sabi sa akin dami rin daw sa may Guangzhou (mga isang oras via MTR) kaya lang hindi ako pamilyar sa lugar.

madalas ang audio hifi show diyan sa guangzhou. nababasa ko lang sa mga magazine na chinese hifi. bumibili lang kami ng kasama ko ng mga magazine para lang makita yung mga pictures ng mga electronics. hehe nung mga time na naging hdmi yung standard connection sa mga dvd player libre lang yun na binibigay sa amin nung mga salesladies sa carrefour. yung mga bbk dvd player ang binibili namin kasi yan ang gumagawa ng oppo dvd player sa tate. hehe yang shengya brand ay vincent ang brand niya sa germany. sayang nga at wala na ako diyan dahil yung bagong labas ng amp na yan ay may bluetooth na siya at optical input and available siya in black =) yung line conditioner ko na bada lb-5500 ay binili ko nung mga time na nagsisimula akong mag-set up ng audio sa shanghai nun. parang less than 5k lang bili ko nun. gulat nga ako na nasa 12k pala dito yun. hehehe masarap mamili ng electronics sa china lalo na kapag naging suki ka dun ng mga tindahan. di man kayo magkaintindihan at napadaan ka lang sa tapat nila ay hihilain ka paloob para iparinig sa iyo yung mga bago nilang labas na gamit. hehehe

(http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx67/teyenygma/12991129_10153383763917032_6136614918998343747_n.jpg) (http://s742.photobucket.com/user/teyenygma/media/12991129_10153383763917032_6136614918998343747_n.jpg.html)

(http://i742.photobucket.com/albums/xx67/teyenygma/12961528_10153383763922032_1076002098985765717_n.jpg) (http://s742.photobucket.com/user/teyenygma/media/12961528_10153383763922032_1076002098985765717_n.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: rascal101 on Jun 12, 2016 at 07:58 PM
I have an SMSL SD-1955 DAC based on the Analog Devices AD1955 D/A which supports 24 bits 192KHz PCM audio data and an upcoming AK4495 DAC based on the AK4495SEQ D/A which can support 32 bits and 768KHz PCM audio data. Specs wise seems like no contest however, since the AK4495 DAC is configured for 24 bits 192KHz things may get interesting.

Comparing the D/A chips further, the AD1955 D/A is configured for differential output current whereas the AK4495SEQ D/A is configured for differential output voltage. Further at 24 bits resolution, S/N & THD+N is 120dB & 110dB on the AD chip and 123dB & 105dB on the AK chip which looks quite even.



Looking into the specs further it appears only the integrated digital filter on the AK4495 D/A is 32bits. Input data is 24bits.

With Vref at 3.0V, at 32bits min voltage level is 700pV (1x10^-12) whereas for 24bits min voltage level is 0.18uV (1x10^-6). You would need an extremely accurate or good supply even to get uV level peak to peak ripple so getting to pV level means calibration type equipment or automated tester level. uV level is more attainable with good power supply. From this you would need about 0.09uV peak to peak ripple on your power supply so as not to mask min voltage resolution on the D/A chip or DAC for that matter. This is reason why you really need a linear type power supply with lots of output capacitance to have very low ripple voltage.

From this, 32bits seems more like marketing gimmick.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: rascal101 on Jun 12, 2016 at 10:38 PM
DC Power supply

https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.147.ae6Oij&id=532699793823&ns=1&abbucket=2#detail (https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.147.ae6Oij&id=532699793823&ns=1&abbucket=2#detail)

(https://img.alicdn.com/imgextra/i2/36744660/TB2fMg2ppXXXXXVXFXXXXXXXXXX-36744660.jpg)

(https://img.alicdn.com/imgextra/i4/36744660/TB24k4cpFXXXXakXpXXXXXXXXXX-36744660.jpg)
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: rascal101 on Jun 13, 2016 at 11:29 AM
Bluebird D2 (using AK4495S D/A) now playing good music

(http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d87/rascal101/bluebird_ak4495s01_zpshmsdf0pd.png) (http://s33.photobucket.com/user/rascal101/media/bluebird_ak4495s01_zpshmsdf0pd.png.html)
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: old_age on Feb 16, 2017 at 08:57 PM
Fiio D3
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: edwin on Mar 12, 2017 at 11:39 AM
Get those R2R based dac from the like of Metrum Acoustic, Holo Audio Spring, Audionote, etc. They sound not like digital compared to those delta sigma based dac.
http://ankaudiokitsblog.com/choosing-an-audiophile-level-dac/

Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: rascal101 on Mar 12, 2017 at 04:11 PM
http://www.pinoydvd.com/index.php/topic,142075.msg1638196.html#msg1638196
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: rascal101 on Mar 12, 2017 at 04:41 PM
I wonder who has a Burr Brown PCM63 or PCM1702 based DAC or CDP. Below is an example.

https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.137.vrI156&id=7091294192&ns=1&abbucket=20#detail (https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.137.vrI156&id=7091294192&ns=1&abbucket=20#detail)

Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: edwin on Mar 12, 2017 at 07:16 PM
I wonder who has a Burr Brown PCM63 or PCM1702 based DAC or CDP. Below is an example.

https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.137.vrI156&id=7091294192&ns=1&abbucket=20#detail (https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.137.vrI156&id=7091294192&ns=1&abbucket=20#detail)


Based on the inside pic, I can still see opamps in the analog circuit, which is not really good.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: rascal101 on Mar 13, 2017 at 01:31 PM
Fortunately or unfortunately, the PCM63 datasheet on page 9 says below which necessitates op-amps. Can probably be replaced by tubes also or discrete transistors.

"APPLICATIONS
The most common application for the PCM63P is in highperformance
and professional digital audio playback, such
as in CD and DAT players. The circuit in Figure 6 shows the
PCM63P in a typical combination with a digital interface
format receiver chip (Yamaha YM3623), an 8x interpolating
digital filter (Burr-Brown DF1700P), and two third-order
low-pass anti-imaging filters (implemented using Burr-Brown
OPA2604APs).
Using an 8x digital filter increases the number of samples to
the DAC by a factor of 8, thereby reducing the need for a
higher order reconstruction or anti-imaging analog filter on
the DAC output. An analog filter can now be constructed
using a simple phase-linear GIC (generalized immittance
converter) architecture. Excellent sonic performance is
achieved using a digital filter in the design, while reducing
overall circuit complexity at the same time.
Because of its superior low-level performance, the PCM63P
is also ideally suited for other high-performance applications
such as direct digital synthesis (DDS)."
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: juanderer on Aug 06, 2017 at 04:00 PM
anyone had experience with benchmark dac3 and schiit yggdrasil ?
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: sgxp on Aug 07, 2017 at 12:07 PM
using both dac1 & yggy.  the benchmark is very good D-S with excellent hp amp.  yggy is a detail monster & analog sounding dac
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: juanderer on Aug 07, 2017 at 04:03 PM
using both dac1 & yggy.  the benchmark is very good D-S with excellent hp amp.  yggy is a detail monster & analog sounding dac

Thanks ! not wanting a headphone amp so I'll go with schiit.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: alvinbaronsia on Aug 08, 2017 at 05:15 PM
Is there a local distro? Where do you get your Schiits?

Thanks ! not wanting a headphone amp so I'll go with schiit.
using both dac1 & yggy.  the benchmark is very good D-S with excellent hp amp.  yggy is a detail monster & analog sounding dac
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: deuce on Aug 08, 2017 at 06:32 PM
Ordering directly from the Schiit website, and having the item shipped to the Philippines via JAC or LBC Shipping Cart, had given me no problems in the past. That's how I got the Bifrost and Gungnir. Still saving for the Yggdrasil though ($2299!)!  :)

http://www.schiit.com/products/yggdrasil
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: alvinbaronsia on Aug 08, 2017 at 10:26 PM
That's how I got the Bifrost and Gungnir.
Thanks, will check it out.
Both multibit? Can you describe the improvements going from bitfrost to gungnir?
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: rascal101 on Aug 09, 2017 at 01:40 AM
Wow! The YGGDRASIL seems out of the box design using DAC designed for test and measurement. Hope to listen to it someday.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: rascal101 on Aug 09, 2017 at 01:42 AM
From the datasheet of the AD5791 D/A IC (used by YGGDRASIL DAC) ...

APPLICATIONS
Medical instrumentation
Test and measurement
Industrial control
High end scientific and aerospace instrumentation
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: deuce on Aug 09, 2017 at 02:27 AM
Thanks, will check it out.
Both multibit? Can you describe the improvements going from bitfrost to gungnir?


I bought the Bifrost and Gungnir soon after these came out, when there were no multibit versions yet. Also I did not have the Bifrost to compare with Gungnir A-B, as I had already replaced it with Rega DAC at that time. Compared to Rega, I thought Gungnir was more detailed and had better soundstage with my amps and speakers.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: juanderer on Aug 14, 2017 at 10:40 AM
I did not purchase the Yggdrasil. Opted to go with cambridge audio's 851N instead. I needed a streamer and dac which it both have, at a lower price and local distribution.

also I don't know which forwarder to use for the direct purchase of schiit. my shopping box declined when I asked them. and with BOC tightening down, I'm sure it will have a ridiculous amount of taxes to be paid here.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: rascal101 on Oct 05, 2017 at 11:43 AM
Some Burr Brown R2R based D/A IC DACs in taobao ...

New LeeHee XA1PCM63 DAC
https://world.taobao.com/item/41881566652.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.42d2bb92LXnq2v#detail (https://world.taobao.com/item/41881566652.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.42d2bb92LXnq2v#detail)

Picture 1
(https://img.alicdn.com/imgextra/i3/135834274/TB2mUF1aVXXXXaVXpXXXXXXXXXX-135834274.jpg_790x10000.jpg)

Picture 2
(https://img.alicdn.com/imgextra/i4/135834274/TB2K7c0apXXXXb5XXXXXXXXXXXX-135834274.jpg)

PCM63 DAC with USB input module
https://world.taobao.com/item/20824563699.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.42d2bb92LXnq2v#detail (https://world.taobao.com/item/20824563699.htm?spm=a312a.7700714.0.0.42d2bb92LXnq2v#detail)

Picture 1
(https://img.alicdn.com/imgextra/i4/1710061781/TB2RmOzcghJc1FjSZFDXXbvnFXa_!!1710061781.jpg)

Picture 2
(https://img.alicdn.com/imgextra/i2/1710061781/TB2Nn4Hd9iK.eBjSZFsXXbxZpXa_!!1710061781.jpg)
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: 6l6 on Jul 28, 2018 at 11:12 AM
Have the Schiit Bitfrost MB for ~2yrs.  My TT and tube amps are rarely used now hehe.  Have also Chord Hugo and sold 2Qute, thin and flat sound, will take even the lower end Schiit R2R anytime.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Gsound on Jul 29, 2018 at 09:20 AM
ok kaya ito?
(https://i.imgur.com/QMKl10B.jpg)
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Gsound on Jul 29, 2018 at 09:23 AM
question mga sir, kung may ordinary dvd or cdp na may digital out, then ipadaan ko sa dac, mas magiging ok ba ang sq? tia
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: JoeyGS on Jul 29, 2018 at 08:42 PM
Yes kung mas maganda yung external dac kesa sa internal dac ng dvd or cdp

question mga sir, kung may ordinary dvd or cdp na may digital out, then ipadaan ko sa dac, mas magiging ok ba ang sq? tia

Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Gsound on Jul 30, 2018 at 05:21 AM
tnx sir joey, actually, i have the exposure cdp hook up to a rega dac. kaso lang sa tagal mukhang bumibigay na yung cdp. kaya nag hahanap na ako ng kapalit.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: JoeyGS on Jul 31, 2018 at 02:32 PM
So, what you can do is barrow a BD or DVD player and hook it up to your rega dac.  Hear how it sounds as compared to your exposure cdp .....

tnx sir joey, actually, i have the exposure cdp hook up to a rega dac. kaso lang sa tagal mukhang bumibigay na yung cdp. kaya nag hahanap na ako ng kapalit.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Gsound on Jul 31, 2018 at 05:30 PM
yes sir joey we'll do. pero may effect din ba yung mechanism sa sq ? tnx sir.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: JoeyGS on Aug 01, 2018 at 11:47 AM
Oh yes, definitely ..... if the mechanism is noisy and has a lot of vibrations, then it affects the audio signal.

If you look at the high end and expensive transports, they tend to use a top loading player ..... meaning, no moving tray.  The moving tray, if poorly designed can vibrate and ring while the CD is rotating and being read by the lens.   A friend has tried tweaking his player by putting a lot of anti-vibration material into the tray in order to eliminate the vibration/ringing, and it helped a lot in improving the sound output.

yes sir joey we'll do. pero may effect din ba yung mechanism sa sq ? tnx sir.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: mbc0528 on Aug 17, 2018 at 10:58 AM
Subscribing.

Eto yung isa sa mga nairecommend skn. Mukang maganda eto (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180817/8c22a6b126781ac096ccaf2cd2d91ca1.jpg)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: sgxp on Nov 21, 2018 at 12:46 PM
Yung MMM digital filter ng Marantz has descended on the lower models.  INterested sana sa NA6006, kaso ung ND8006 lang available sa distributor, enebeyen.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: lithium_deuteride on Mar 09, 2019 at 09:10 PM
Anyone using a Chord DAC?
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Own7 on Mar 10, 2019 at 10:56 AM
Anyone using a Chord DAC?

Sir you cantgo wrong with chord dac, been using chord dave for a couple of months now, to die for sya as a dac or as a headphone amp, i was shocked at how good the headphone amp
Section hooked up to my focal utopia headphone. Compared it to ps audio directsteam which is also very good for almost half the price, equal lang sila sound quality wise but without the
Headphone amp.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: Own7 on Mar 10, 2019 at 11:01 AM
Anyone using a Chord DAC?

If you like neurality, lowest noise floor, lots of detail and prat, both ps audio and chord dave
Are very good.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: lithium_deuteride on Apr 04, 2019 at 09:06 PM
PS Audio Direct Stream DAC (and maybe a Memory Player as transport) vs Chord Hugo TT2 plus M Scaler.  The latter has headphone outs and can be used to power high efficiency speakers (which is a possible future upgrade for me). But so damned expensive.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: MrDeckard on Apr 05, 2019 at 06:11 AM
Magkano and where can you buy the psaudio direct stream?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: vgsison on Apr 05, 2019 at 07:24 AM
Magkano and where can you buy the psaudio direct stream?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Locally AVDI Shang. Close to 300k.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: MrDeckard on Apr 05, 2019 at 02:59 PM
Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: lithium_deuteride on Apr 23, 2019 at 06:52 PM
Got the Chord Hugo TT2.  As a headphone amp, this thing impresses!  Timing, attack, bass, details, PRAT. It’s very musical with my LCD-3s.  Will see how it performs as a DAC on my system tomorrow.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: lithium_deuteride on Apr 25, 2019 at 12:04 PM
Bottom line, if you want a DAC that will make you forget your records and turntable for a while and own a great headphone amp to boot (favorably compared to the Cavalli Liquid Gold amp in one review), the Chord Hugo TT2 is it.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: alvinbaronsia on May 09, 2019 at 02:49 PM
Bottom line, if you want a DAC that will make you forget your records and turntable for a while and own a great headphone amp to boot (favorably compared to the Cavalli Liquid Gold amp in one review), the Chord Hugo TT2 is it.
How did you decide on the TT2? What did you compare it with?
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: lithium_deuteride on May 11, 2019 at 02:38 AM
How did you decide on the TT2? What did you compare it with?

 I compared the Chord TT2 with my present DAC - a Bel Canto DAC eONE 1.5.  I also listened to the Chord MScaler by itself connected to the internal DAC of a Denon AVR. Then I listened to TT2 and MScaler stacked together on the same Denon setup.  The TT2 by itself sounded smooth and devoid of digital glare but adding the MScaler removes all traces of digital glare (which I thought was already gone with the TT2 alone) and you are left with exceeding smoothness. But alas - buying both together was a financial challenge for me.  I'll have to consider the MScaler as a future upgrade. 

I compared the headphone output of the TT2 to my current balanced mos-fet DIY amp. Ganda ng output ng TT2, thanks to its DAC.  And also due to its powerful and clean sounding analog output stage.

This TT2 DAC/headphone amp is all about timing. Chord's DAC designer Robb Watts is on to something - he starts with a knowledge of psycho-acoustics and designs his DACs around his experiments which according to him shows that human hearing can be affected to a surprisingly large degree by even infinitesimally small timing errors on the starting and stopping of musical notes (transients).  Check his lectures on Youtube.

I also listened to Ted Smith and his lectures on the PS Audio's Direct Stream DAC, which he designed.  I guess I was more convinced by Robb's more detailed and sensible lecture. Also I heard from reliable sources that PSAudio is on the warm side and given that my stereo system (Harbeth / Accuphase) is on the warm side, I went with Chord.     
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: edwin on Jul 25, 2019 at 04:02 PM
Replaced my Metrum Acoustic R2R dac with a Denafrips Ares R2R dac. The Ares is way better at half the price of the Metrum. All aspects regarding sound quality is better in comparison. Highly recommended.

https://youtu.be/x32kMm6E4Pg

(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4b933e_c1e1e555d9714c43a8a7f70bf0cd9cff~mv2_d_4752_3168_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1960,h_990,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/4b933e_c1e1e555d9714c43a8a7f70bf0cd9cff~mv2_d_4752_3168_s_4_2.jpg)
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: laukong on Jul 26, 2019 at 11:41 AM
SMSL Su-8 balanced DAC, very good value.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: JoeyGS on Aug 13, 2019 at 10:23 AM
This is getting good reviews and now has the version II


Replaced my Metrum Acoustic R2R dac with a Denafrips Ares R2R dac. The Ares is way better at half the price of the Metrum. All aspects regarding sound quality is better in comparison. Highly recommended.

https://youtu.be/x32kMm6E4Pg

(https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4b933e_c1e1e555d9714c43a8a7f70bf0cd9cff~mv2_d_4752_3168_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_1960,h_990,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/4b933e_c1e1e555d9714c43a8a7f70bf0cd9cff~mv2_d_4752_3168_s_4_2.jpg)
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: lithium_deuteride on Aug 13, 2019 at 11:59 AM
John Darko had a good review of the Denafrips. I considered it and even got a quote from the Sg dealer.  Should be a good DAC.  Darko is always on point.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: accastil on Mar 29, 2021 at 11:51 AM
Smsl m400 or denafrips ares2? Which and why? The goal is neutrality and my system consists of x10dacv3,x10v3,xpsuv3+m5si+gx200.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: alvinbaronsia on Mar 29, 2021 at 07:29 PM
Smsl m400 or denafrips ares2? Which and why? The goal is neutrality and my system consists of x10dacv3,x10v3,xpsuv3+m5si+gx200.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

If by neutral you mean transparency then the M400/Topping D90 will be one of the most transparent DACs right now with 121 SINAD vs the Ares 103 SINAD. You may even want to test out first with a PHP 5k SMSL SK10 v2 or Topping E30 as they are also much more neutral than Ares with 112db. source: audiosciencereview

If you are looking for musical satisfaction and not the best in cleanliness, then the Ares may be more your type. While the AK delta sigma DACs are not as sterile compared to their ESS counterparts, they are still too neutral/transparent for me, and I much prefer my dirtier R2R/FPGA/AD DACs.
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: accastil on Apr 01, 2021 at 07:15 PM
If by neutral you mean transparency then the M400/Topping D90 will be one of the most transparent DACs right now with 121 SINAD vs the Ares 103 SINAD. You may even want to test out first with a PHP 5k SMSL SK10 v2 or Topping E30 as they are also much more neutral than Ares with 112db. source: audiosciencereview

If you are looking for musical satisfaction and not the best in cleanliness, then the Ares may be more your type. While the AK delta sigma DACs are not as sterile compared to their ESS counterparts, they are still too neutral/transparent for me, and I much prefer my dirtier R2R/FPGA/AD DACs.
Which between the 2 would result to smoother highs, warmer sound, thicker mids/vocals?
Title: Re: Recommendations for DAC
Post by: alvinbaronsia on Apr 02, 2021 at 10:05 AM
Which between the 2 would result to smoother highs, warmer sound, thicker mids/vocals?
Ares. Though I would like to suggest the Chord Mojo/Qutest or Schiit Modi Multibit/Bitfrost 2 as they are similarly as good and arguably better, as well as being made in UK/US (politics: protest against Chinese encroachment).