Are any of the newer DACs better than BB PCM63s?

Tonyptony, PCM63K is PCM1702 in PCM63 case. The current top of the line BB DACs are much better sounding - more detailed and relaxed sound. Of course, I have yet to hear better sounding DAC than Crystal. I mean carefully executed designs incorporating Crystal DACs. MBL is what comes to mind first - simply amazing. The clarity, resolution and top extension coming from Crystal DAC remains unmatched, to my ears.

Regards,
Alex

Best dac chips made period.Followed by the 1702k BBs

Hmm, we seem to have a difference of opinion here, gentlemen. I know very well that there's a lot more to the sound than just the DAC. As you pointed out, Alex, a well executed design is necessary along with a good DAC. So how do we know when we're listening to the DAC versus a better design / output stage? Where did the whole notion of the PSM63 K being so good come from? I still occasionally hear this being discussed today.

Tonyptony, the PCM63K (PCM1702) is a R2R ladder type of DAC. There is nothing unique about it. It was actually the first R2R type of DAC to achieve the highest precision in the industry by implementing the really expensive at that time Laser Trimming techology for the R2R resisitor ladder. Other than that, you can build PCM63 at home using some logic devices and it might even turn out better than PCM63, less the precision of laser trimming..:-)

Even the latest BB DACs still use R2R ladder with current output. If you really ask me, the patented "switched capacitor" DAC in the Crystal DACs is superior just because there are no currents flowing trough it. The dynamics and high frequency extension are unmatched. This is the reason for its superiority over all the rest.

Anyway, it is all hype. It is best to trust your ears! And believe me, who say we all hear different, according to me, is not true...:-)

Regards,
Alex

Implementation fo course is very important,and actualy is the key to how well a DAC will untimately sound.I respectively disagree that the Crystal chips come any where close to what a 63k,or 1702k dac chip in cleanliness,and overall musicality .From talking to a highly repectited tech who is in the Arospace industry there are very few if any chips made today for the consumer that come close to the performance of those mentioned above.Another important factor is the power supply.As more and more of these are now made overseas,and the quality of most of them is questionable, also has a large bearing on the performance.This is why you see a glut of modders comming out of the wood work,taking stock pieces and bringing them to a more satisfying level.