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DAC experiences?

Hi guys,

thanks for all your great advice so far. I come to you with DAC questions. I’m interested to hear your opinions on the Chord Qutest vs PS Audio DirectStream Mk2 vs Chord Dave. 
 

I know they all sit at different price points, but I have a few options at good used prices and I would love to hear insights and experiences on these DACS, their sound, and living with them day to day. 
 

I’ll be using Nova III floorstanders, Luxman 509z integrated, and for now a Node Icon N530 as transport but with a view to upgrade streamer. 
 

tia 

Stephen

stephenwerner
jk_richards's avatar
jk_richards
286 posts
 

My ears usually tilt towards R2R ladder DACs, especially Denafrips and Holo Audio.

You should give the Directstream DAC a listen.  It’s a DSD / FPGA based DAC.

I liked the R2R DAC’s also (Terminator PLUS and Holo May) until I heard the modified Directstream DAC’s.  It’s if you can reach out and touch the performers it’s so real sounding. Speakers totally disappear.. 

car123's avatar
car123
159 posts
 

Musetec is something of a giant killer as a standalone DAC, particularly using a sorted I2s signal.  Meitner MA3i is exceptional as an integrated streamer/ DAC combo and can also function as an excellent preamp in a digital system.

jk_richards's avatar
jk_richards
286 posts
 

Unfortunate the Mustec is a chip DAC.  It does have good quality parts however not so many good reviews. It use Dual ESS ES9039pro DAC chips.

The Meitner MA3i looks good however it doesn’t have a standard i2s port and is a little pricey at $11,500.  I guess if you just wanted to use the on-board streamer you would not need the i2s port.  

 

 

dz13
308 posts
 

I also agree with JK. I have a partially modified DSD I and I think it sounds great. Getting a MKI fully modified for under $3,500 is probably a great deal. I would also look to see what is going on with MKII prices now that PS Audio is making something new. Also, PS Audio has a Stellar Gold Dac which was positively reviewed. 

I personally like the FPGA and conversion to DSD sound and the R2R sound as well over the Sabre Dacs which sound too brittle and sharp to me. But, as was pointed out early in this thread, everyone has their own opinions so you need to figure out where you land on the spectrum. 

yyzsantabarbara
5,560 posts
 

Last week I had the best DAC I have ever heard in the house for a few days. It uses dual ESS ES9039pro DAC chips. I was of the opinion that something like an FPGA was the way to go but I now say I am wrong, other approaches could also be top tier. Now this new DAC cost $25k, again I was thinking how can a DAC that costs that much use ESS chips. I was wrong again on that.

I have owned the Benchmark DAC3B (and other BM DACs). The Musetec 005 and many other ESS DACs. They all are nowhere close to the great ESS DAC I heard. My takeaway was that it was the output stage of the DAC which was the secret sauce that made that DAC great.

It does not matter what DAC I am talking about I just want to convey that ESS DACs can be good as very best DACs.

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