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Six DAC Comparison

I am in the middle of comparing the sound of six different DACs in my system. I own them all (I know weird) but one of them is still within a trial/return timeframe.

Not to share specific comparisons today, but a couple of observations so far are that first, they all definitely sound different from each other. On one hand, they all sound pretty good and play what is fed to them without significant flaws but on the other hand there are definite sonic differences that make it easy to understand how a person might like the sound of some of them while not liking others.

Second, raises the observation that most of them must be doing something to shape the sound in the manner the designer intended since one of the DACs, a Benchmark DAC3 HGA, was described by John Atkinson of Stereophile as providing "state-of-the-art measured performance." In the review, JA closed the measurements section by writing, "All I can say is "Wow!" I have also owned the Tambaqui (not in my current comparison), which also measured well ("The Mola Mola Tambaqui offers state-of-the-digital-art measured performance." - JA). The Benchmark reminds me sonically of the Tambaqui, both of which are excellent sounding DACs.

My point is that if the Benchmark is providing "state-of-the-art measured performance," then one could reasonably presume that the other five DACs, which sound different from the Benchmark, do not share similar ’state-of-the-art" measurements and are doing something to subtly or not so subtly alter the sound. Whether a person likes what they hear is a different issue.

mitch2
mitch2 OP
4,753 posts
 

@brbrock - No, I have not received the Mystique Z DAC yet, but I am not surprised by the AI verbiage you mentioned.  I looked up Google’s AI, which indicated: 

"The Texas Instruments (originally Burr-Brown) PCM58 is a vintage 18-bit R-2R ladder DAC chip, and its sound signature is associated with the classic "multibit" sound. While its performance is not as precise as modern delta-sigma DACs, many audiophiles praise its musicality, dynamic quickness, and natural sound." 

They mentioned key characteristics of the PCM58 sound signature including:

  • Warm and organic
  • Convincing dynamics
  • Natural timbre
  • Wide soundstage
  • Lower resolution/less detail (compared to modern chips)
  • Implementation dependent

Based on comments that Benjamin has shared with me, as well as the AI verbiage, I expect to hear an emotionally musical flow with nuance, that is also smooth and organic sounding.   That description sounds analog-like however, as with many things in our audio hobby, there can be trade-offs between sonic characteristics such as smooth and rich vs. detailed and incisive, as one example.  The success of a design can depend on how well the various polarities can be integrated to result in proportions that are musically satisfying.  Even then, not every sound signature is going to satisfy every listener. 

Regarding the Aries Cerat Helene, in my system and in my opinion, it displays all of the considerable strengths of the Mystique X SE and takes a few of them a bit farther for a wholly satisfying result.  It is every bit as organic sounding as the X SE, with a bit less mid-bass warmth, and a touch purer sounding treble.  Tone is spot-on and there is a sense of liquid clarity overall that always serves the music.  The bass is deep and powerful and, to me, the Helene DAC performs well on all types of music, at least in my system.  

I really look forward to hearing the Mystique Z, and comparing that directly with the Mystique X SE and the Helene.

brbrock's avatar
brbrock
169 posts
 

@mitch2 Another DAC I have interest in is the Audio Mirror Wave DAC.  I have seen a picture of the internals and it looks pretty nicely built.  Vlad the designer keeps his designs pretty close to his chest.  Vlad’s previous DAC’s used the AD1865N-K which is the same chip’s  as the Helene.  He said he wasn’t satisfied with the upper ranges so he switched to this new chip and was pleasantly surprised.  Lots of resolution with absolutely no fatigue.  He said the base has texture which he had never heard that before.  Now I realize he is selling his own product but he claims it’s better than the Helene and competes with the  Taiko DAC.  

trecool99
50 posts
 

Has anyone had both the Mystique Z and Audio Mirror Tub VI comparison?  They are about the same price and would love to hear anyone with first hand experience with both.  So far what I've read about each sound like they are what I'm interested in for my next DAC.  

brbrock's avatar
brbrock
169 posts
 

@mitch2 Just checking to see if you have had any DAC changes.  Have you talked to Ben at Mojo Audio about the new DAC? Also I am very interested in the new Audio Mirror WAVE DAC.  I have seen the internals and it is well built with nice parts.  I would love to hear your opinion on that compared to the Mojo Audio DAC's and the Helene.  Vlad says it competes with 50K DAC's.  If anyone reading has had chance to compare this DAC to any of the other mentioned chime in an tell us about your experience.

no_regrets
573 posts
 

I'm looking forward to reading about @mitch2 experiences if he gets a chance to directly compare the Z/SE/Helene.

I'm still really enjoying my Mojo Mistique X-24AM dac.

I'll try and post a video of the Branford Marsalis Trio from my listening session tonight.  These guys really know how to play!

As a reminder, listening thru a decent set of headphones or speakers vs cellphone/laptop speakers can really make a meaningful difference in sound.

https://youtu.be/AyeaVqfK44A

Best wishes,

Don

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