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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
handymann
380 posts
 
For years, I thought I had a problem with my Casablanca III. Sometimes my CD’s would not play the first word or note of a song. I auditioned the DEXQ unit and was surprised to learn it wasn’t my dac, but my CD player. I have a Kora Hermès II and when using it, I have no problem with digital lock. All my CDs play as they should. Sonically, the units are comparable, with the Kora unit sounding a bit warmer. The main story is-no more missing the first note. It’s a win win situation.  BTW using  a Theta Miles Transport
bigkidz
3,313 posts
 

@soix - yes different presentation between the two in my DAC.  The chip was more dynamic in some ways that also kind of added some congestion.  It was slight and you could only hear the differences with a good ear and comparing the two side by side otherwise you would not be able to hear those differences.  Again very slight and took time to really get a handle on them.


As good as my DAC sounds with the Direct Heated 101D tubes, and it is reference quality, the phono stage with its 16 tubes is something to hear.  It is currently with a TT manufacturer for a full evaluation.  Lets see what happens.


Happy Listening. 

jburidan
803 posts
 
Implementation is something, but it's not everything. The various DAC chips have unique characteristics that can't be implemented out of existence. 
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byang12's avatar
byang12
39 posts
 
Any r2r dav can play dsd stream? 
Also, any phono stage with more than 4 dual triodes are not good engineering practice,ihmo.
I build my phone stage with 2 6922s with a pair of cascaded fets at cathodes, plus a couple of ccs on top, have enough clean gain for 0.1mv cartridges.
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