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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
firstnot's avatar
firstnot
248 posts
 
Speaking of DACs, Here is one Mr Reichert and Mr. Dudley of Stereophile appear to endorse in the Mar 2019 issue:
HOLO -straight talk.
"This is the outlet store of Holo Audio. The owner is not a professional business, is a well-known Buddhist seller, character is bleak. The goods in the store are all real price, no bargaining, and fair to all customers."
mrdon
106 posts
 
Hi, 
i am expecting an MHDT Orchid tomorrow so in a day or two I may be able weigh in in this topic. Presently i am using a Callia DAC/PS Mono700’s streaming Tidal. After 24/30 hr break in (output tube) i will know more about this issue hopefully. Also i pretty much bought into this new piece of audio hardware after researching the types of NOS Phillips chip it currently uses. That led to yet older and better NOS chips one can use to improve just about everything about the listening experience. So, I found and purchased a NOS TDA1451 S1 single crown to use after break in. I’ll be getting back to this thread if anyone cares to revisit in a few days.... 
markmuse
240 posts
 
I have an Orchid. It’s without question the most musical dac I have heard, without sacrifice. It’s music again!
lukaske
307 posts
 
The best Dac, is the one that leans the most on a good high-end cd-player.. The sound of streaming must be the same as that of the cd-player. Sometimes it’s very different. So compare when purchasing how the dac sounds with those from another sources 
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
jaybe

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. 


They are better suited to test tones. Analog is better suited to music.
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