I have a Pioneer Elite DV-59AVi that utilizes the flagship Burr-Brown PCM1738 DAC chip. I like its sound, but I’ve always been particularly fond of the Philips TDA1541 (and TDA1541A) and TDA1543 DAC chips found in a few legendary CD players and DACs, such as the Rotel RCD-855 CD player (owned), the more recent BP Zola DAC (TDA1541), and the BP SE DAC (TDA1543) auditioned. Their sound is simply to die for. Smooth and liquid although not particular detailed.
Maybe it IS all in the DAC chips
I’ve often pushed back against the idea of purchasing any piece of audio gear based on the parts contained, especially DAC’s. While the Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) itself is the key component, so much goes into making a good sounding product, like stream buffers/jittter removal, power supplies and analog output stage that I thought this could lead buyers astray.
Still, having done that, and still thinking that I correctly warned others to avoid buying just on DAC brands alone, I have found myself after many years, returning again to vintage Burr Brown based DACs and home theater processors.
Color me changed with experience.
- ...
- 53 posts total
| Post removed |
- 53 posts total