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
Hi Branimir, I'm curious about your experience with this X-01 D2 and even more how -in your opinion- this might translate to posible future dual dac usage in the D-03 (PCM+DSD) or D-01 (DSD only). Imagine the D-01 with superb PCM performance and than via dual dac also capable for native-DSD conversion. You're the man who is able to compare several Esoteric types. Please let us know!

Kind regards, Rene
Well, I have just finished this thread from begining to end whew! First off thanks all for the wonderful information. The reason I started reading this thread is I am read to upgrade my DAC (Audio Logic 34MXL) in fact I just sold it here on Audiogon.

From what I have read here it looks like my list will be (in no pictular order) Dodson 218, EMM DCC SE, Zanden and Accustic arts DAC 1 Mk 4. I like the idea of not needing a pre, although I have a nice one (Dodd Audio battery/tube). There wasn't a lot of talk about the build in volume controls or pres on the dacs. Any thoughts?
Thanks and all the best, Guy
Hi Playntheblues it will be interesting to see what you get but my thoughts are that you will want to use your Dodd pre still in your system, suppose to be a great pre.
Thanks Dev. I just ordered the Altmann Attraction DAC and it will take about 4 weeks :( to get here. I am excited to get it and if it doesn't work out I think my default will be the Dodson 218. If I see a used Zanden some day I would like to try that as well.
Well eh ah ah uhm I just canceled my order for the Altmann and went ahead and ordered the Accustic arts DAC 1 Mk 4.
Wish me luck.