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Difference Between DAC Types

I’m curious if R2R ladder DACs and Delta-Sigma DACs are each better suited to certain types of music, i.e. vocals, amplified vs. non-amplified music, etc.

I’ve only owned Delta-Sigma DACs and have never heard an R2R ladder DAC. However based on reviews of some R2R products I’m considering moving in that direction but also understand there are inherent differences between the two DAC types. Not really looking for recommendations for specific DACs I should listen to of either type although that may be unavoidable to the discussion. I’m mostly intrigued by some of the online reviews for small company DACs like Border Patrol and Mhdt Labs where it’s said they can compete with much more expensive DACs.

My musical tastes are all over the board but maybe 50% rock (not hard) – folk - reggae etc. amplified music, the other made up mostly of acoustic folk, vocals, jazz and whatever else is in my library. I’d hate to move to R2R and find that female vocals are greatly improved, but at the expense of electric guitars, etc.

FWIW I’m running an AR pre, Pass amp, ATC speakers.

So, are there any distinct or unique characteristics inherent to R2R ladder DACs vs. Delta-Sigma DACs?


jaybe

Showing 1 response by hgeifman

hgeifman
2,110 posts
 
I understand the above post that "DAC Implementation is something, but it is not everything. These various DAC chips have unique characteristics that cannot be implemented out of existence". Obviously, a DAC’s sound quality is the SUM of its parts including the actual conversion process (chip, R2R, FGPA, etc.) PLUS everything else.

As someone above also said “delta-sigma DACs tend to measure better overall and sound more detailed and maybe sound quicker. R2R/NOS DACs, on the other hand, do not measure as well overall but tend to sound more ’analog’ with richer tonal colors and nuance but can sound less detailed or sparkly in the treble region". I do not know if this statement is true or not.

While I understand how an R2R DAC works, I do not understand how a Delta-Sigma DAC works. Can someone please explain how a delta- sigma DAC works (in English)? In other words, how does a delta-sigma DAC convert a PCM stream to analog?
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