If you can’t hear a difference then save your money. I can tell you that there are many dacs that would be an huge upgrade for you but they will cost more, and the better 1’s will require you to upgrade your system to get the best out of the dac. If you are happy keep what you got
DAC diminishing returns
Looking for some experienced input on the diminishing return as you go up the the DAC ladder. I mostly stream music and occasionally listen to CDs. Currently, I’m using a Schiit Bifrost Multibit DAC. It’s connected to my Naim Nait 5Si and that drives Zu Omen ii speakers. In my limited experience, I have not heard any substantial differences when changing DACs. I’m considering a Denafrips Pontus DAC. Does the significantly higher cost justify what might be a marginal increase in sound quality? Is buying a more expensive DAC for better sound just splitting hairs, and making you feel better about your system? Are different DACs just different coloration of the sound?
I don’t want to be duped into buying something I don’t really need. Thanks.
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That explains why you have not experienced the issue. It is related to CD transports, and the (different) inputs employed. That the Pontus (and presumably other Denafrips DACs) sounds very good is irrelevant. This is a flaw that may affect any potential purchaser who intends to use a CD transport, and should obviously be taken into consideration. |
I've had a dedicated headphone station with MacBook Air >usb, Oppo 83 >coax, Bifrost 2 >bal, Jot 2 >bal, Aria phones for a year last March. Very good sound! Then in Mar, consumed by reports of awesome 2 ch SACD via I2s (HDMI) I purchased an HDMI/I2s box ($50) and a Pontus II. I originally thought the Bifrost had a more punchy sound that was fun with electronica music. The Pontus was notably better with everything else: wider soundstage, better track separation, more detail, more air, etc. An example: HiRes Melody Gardot, Sunset In The Blue...all sounds better thru the Pontus, except the last track with Sting, "Little Something", which is more dance than jazz with base slam which the Bifrost accentuates. Since then I I had stopped listening to the Bifrost almost entirely and pulled it from the stack to use as a 2ch step up in my home theater system. Given a good recording the I2s SACD is my 2ch (headphone) "state of the art, wow.... I have only heard a couple of "micro skips" I presumed were cd read errors, not sure of the path. Will have to further investigate given the feedback here. Absolutely no buyer remorse. |
@dsfreeh - there are references to Chord further towards the top of the thread. Some people love Chord gear, others, like me, not so much. Great quality stuff, just depends on what your sound preferences are, and Chord is a bit dry for my tastes (which are more R2R type sound).... |
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