DAC Comparisons using AI


After a couple of years trying different DACs in my system, I ended up with the Aries Cerat Helene (R2R) and the SMc Audio DAC-2 (delta-sigma) in my main system.  

I have been considering other options, and decided to use AI to help me imagine the possibilities.  I have found it actually works pretty well if you are able to specifically address what you are looking for. Anyone else here believe you are getting helpful answers by using AI when considering a purchase?

I have been asking specific questions like:

  • What sonic difference would be achieved by upgrading the Aries Cerat Helene to the Kassandra Reference II?
  • Might someone who enjoys the sound of the Aries Cerat Helene find the EMM Labs DV2i to sound fatiguing?
  • Compare the sonic signatures between the Aries Cerat Helene, MSB Technology Premier, and Totaldac D-1 Triunity.

I have not yet encountered answers I would consider total BS, and using AI has sort of bridged the gap between different industry reviews, like when you finish reading a review and wish, if only the reviewer had compared X to Y.

 

mitch2

I wish all you guys would stop using AI, so I can get a few more sata ssd’s for my server at a reasonable price!

The problem of asking a question such as: 

What sonic difference would be achieved by upgrading the Aries Cerat Helene to the Kassandra Reference II?

AI doesn't have ears, it doesn't know, all it can do is summarize what others might have said about this upgrade. And while there are a million testimonials comparing <$1000 DAC's, the number of people who have done this upgrade, or any upgrade at this level, is probably less than 50 on the planet, and I'll bet no more than 2 of them have posted these comparisons on the internet. If those 2 people cannot put what they hear into words effectively, which is quite understandable, how can AI translate and recite that back in any form for someone else to understand it? 

Other than simply "the extra $10K is worth it". Well, I guarantee if someone has the spare $10k and the willingness to spend it on this upgrade from Helene to Kassandra, they will say this without even listening to it. 

 

 

I too have productively used AI - ChatGPT specifically - to assist me in thinking through upgrades and moves between systems. And, yes, of course, it’s important to check sources and ultimately use your own ears.  It’s also very helpful to allow your AI “agent” to know you very well. Mine knows every component and interconnect in my main system in two houses as well as two secondary systems. It also knows my room dimensions and features. Over time, my commentary on what I like or don’t like is further incorporated and used as reference to new queries. 
 

Without getting into the details, recently AI kept me from spending a lot of money on an upgrade that’s been tickling my brain. It really just reminded me of what I have in front of me and told me to sit back and enjoy the music for a while. Pretty startling turn to the conversation. I bought it a beer. 

I was researching the best input level for my new M3 DAC to my BHK pre. I thought it was just a sensitivity / compatibility question, but for my pre (and perhaps others), it uses both a potentiometer & resistor ladder. Both AI’s recommended reducing the DAC output to achieve a higher resistor ladder.
PS Audio confirmed the ladders, said I would probably see better performance from the higher ladders, but said their ‘official’ position was DAC at standard output, ignoring the ladders. 
The higher ladders sound fuller & more dynamic at the same volume. This is not documented anywhere I can find, & only through AI did I discover it. Good stuff!

 

@yesiam_a_pirate 

Just for fun imagine you wanted to gather comparative data on a relatively unknown product and one that is that is heavily sponsored in mainline audio magazines, you tube videos, social media, etc. via a big budget.  Paid reviews. Guess which one AI is going to highlight? 

Agreed. Big tech are not investing billions in AI just to help us, they see this as an investment with huge potential profits, and that is in the form of more ads and steering the consumer in particular directions. And the gullible will think the results are "unbiased because it is not a human". 

I have used AI when it comes to my system in two mains ways and that’s evolving. 1. I used it to compare upgrade paths from my current speaker and had it lay out the differences.

and 2. I correct my room with the use of REW measurements that I upload to ChatGPT and together I get my dual subs dialed in rather nicely, phase, placement, gain and crossover. In that regard it’s been really good at interpreting the graphs and letting me know that everything is in balance and at least set up correctly and then I listen to confirm.