Which DAC Filter - Fast or Slow?


I know. “The one that sounds the best”.

But I’m wondering if there is a general leaning on this topic, or if the results are just totally mixed.

I’ve read that using a fast filter will result in a higher top-end frequency response. Which is very obviously the case when using a fast filter on my Gryphon Diablo300 integrated amplifier’s DAC module. In systems prone to being bright or harsh, this could be a bad thing. That’s not an issue in my system - higher highs is a good thing.

I’ve also read that the trade off to fast filters is that the frequency response is less stable than slow filters - that the response will oscillate. I also think I can hear this? But I’m not sure.

Finally, people seem to say that the downsides of fast filters don’t matter because the flaws that are introduced are too minute to be audible. I’m not actually sure I believe that. But, in general I think I do prefer the fast filter overall. Crisper, quicker transients, more finesse, and, well, faster. I do get that it is system dependent, as I’ve found the filter does impact the sound differently when different servers are used.

What do others use, fast or slow, if they have the choice with their DACs?

 

nyev

I listen primarily through my Benchmark DAC3 HGC or the DAC3 B both of which have a 'fast' filter. Sounds great to me!

Finally, one that is purely on Team Fast…

Very interesting insights. And not what I expected (I expected more of a mixed bag of people liking slow or fast).

 

There is no right or wrong answer. The filter can be used to dial in the sound from your amp, your pre amp, and you speakers. It can also be source specific or it can be music genre dependent. For jazz and mid rock blues I like mid. For hard rock I like slow. Fast makes my system to bright even with tube engaged on my preamp. Also know my dac is Gustard R26 so it is also r2r ladder design. My most used setting is nos off mid filter and tube engaged on my Freya.