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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
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.
jaybe OP
732 posts
 
@soix thanks for your input

@mrdon looking forward to your impressions, perhaps how it stacks up against a Delta-Sigma unit

@lukaske server based system, so no CD player

@millercarbon your ignorance is excused, please don't post here again
larryi
3,718 posts
 
I have no idea which type of DAC topology might be better than another.  I do know that NAIM dubs their reference gear with the "555" number.  Their "555" CD player had a R2R DAC.  Their very best server/DAC, until recently, did not "earn" their "555" designation and was called the NDS.  The NDS had a Delta-Sigma DAC.  When they finally came out with a server that they thought warranted the "555" designation, it is one that employs an R2R DAC.  Does that signify anything?
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