1. Home
  2. digital
  3. 193628-178394

DAC and Amplifier Synergy?

Hi All - 

In rebuilding my office system, I've been reflecting on my audio journey over the last few years. To put it simply, I've come to understand everything mattters. The room. Your ears. And all the synergies between pieces of equipment and cables. 

There are a ton of ways to achieve audio bliss. 

That said, I wanted to hear people's thoughts on DAC and Amp matching. Are some dacs just a better fit with specific amps and speakers? 

Are there specific matches between dacs and amps that worked especially well? Likewise, have you tried partnering a prized dac with a respected amp that, at least on paper are standout equipment, just to realize they have no synergy in your room? Alternatively, what are the examples of dacs and amps truly singing together? 

I'd welcome hearing examples of dac/amp synergy (or lack of it) from folks experiences. 

Specifically, I'm seriously considering partnering a T+A Dac 200 with a Luxman 590 axii with Graham or Falcons LS3/5a speakers. On paper it seems like it would be a great match. But who knows? 

bluethinker
soix
11,230 posts
 

But now I'm realizing I might prefer a more neutral and propulsive presentation... 

I would not think LS3/5a speakers would fit with this at all.  Some excellent speakers off the top of my head in that price range that’d be much more inline with those goals would be ATC SCM19, Fritz Carbon 7, Joseph Audio Prizm, Usher Dancer Mini-X, but there are many more.  Ditto the Luxman amp — my mind immediately went to Hegel although there are others.  Then again, maybe the Luxman with the above speakers would give you enough neutrality and propulsion as it’s all about tastes/synergy, but the LS3/5a would be a non starter for me.  The T+A DAC should be fine, and I’d add Bricasti or Meitner among others.  Just some thoughts/ideas FWIW, and best of luck. 

bluethinker's avatar
bluethinker OP
320 posts
 

@soix - Thanks for your ideas. I should have been clearer. The Luxman 590axii, T+A Dac 200, and Graham LS3/5a system is more my office. Not necessarily looking for that system to be overly propulsive and energized. Rather, for that room, leaning towards some warmth is good. 

soix
11,230 posts
 

Not necessarily looking for that system to be overly propulsive and energized. Rather, for that room, leaning towards some warmth is good. 

That is exactly the opposite of what you wrote in your response to me.  That’s inconsiderate and this was a total waste of my time/effort and I’m out. 

bluethinker's avatar
bluethinker OP
320 posts
 

@soix - Thanks for your time. And sorry for the misunderstanding. Hope you enjoy rest of the day. 

bluethinker's avatar
bluethinker OP
320 posts
 

For everyone else interested in the topic, my preference for my primary system is now focused on more neutrality and propulsiveness. Office system is different. 

More to discover