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DAC nuances

Kia Ora from New Zealand,

I have a Esoteric K03 CD player, Technics sl-g700m2 amplifier, Eversolo DAC Z8, Audioquest Carbon USB cable, Furutech Alpha S22 rca cables and Auralic Aries G1.1 transport streamer. As we do with this hobby, I am exploring the sound each DAC can create. After listening to a range of music on each, I am back where I started with the Esoteric sounds best to me. What surprises me is that my 13 year-old Esoteric DAC out preforms the newer ones. I will see if I can audition a higher end DAC from a local shop here in Christchurch. 

jspnz
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jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,926 posts
 

newer isn’t always better

my musical fidelity trivista 21 tube dac from 2004 still holds it own against some five figure dacs I have auditioned

just like a wonderful french dinner was tasty back then, as it is today

ghdprentice's avatar
ghdprentice
9,492 posts
 

Different companies have different sound quality objectives... normally called house sound. SO, it is easy to conclude that an old something sounds better than new by dipping into a different house sound. Typically the sound within a company has improved dramatically in ten years. So, it will be a question of comparing similar house sounds. 

I recommend posing your system and thoughts into ChatGPT or other AI... adding comparisons and contrast sonic characteristics.. Generally it is really good at characterizing sonic characteristics and leading you the right way. 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
8,052 posts
 

A lot of new high end digital leans analytical with trying to give a listener maximum detail retrieval. Your old Esoteric player was designed to play CDs and make them sound as natural as possible. I would bet latest Esoteric is more analytical and less engaging than your 13 year old player. Keep it. 
But if you’re auditioning DACs try to find a dealer who has Meitner MA3i. I find it both detailed and musical. 

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