182 replies to this topic

[Melon Head]

Marcin_gps said:

Anyway, one of the best (?) currently available DACs is coming to me: Totaldac Reference-d1. Will report what I think once I get it

 

Now that is one serious DAC.

[Nuuk]

Melon Head said:

Has anyone heard MHDT Stockholm?

Seems to have just about everything I want at a fair price. But does it sound any good?

Yes, it sounds very good IMHO!

 

Good build quality, very well specified and a valve buffer thrown in as well.

[ths61]

Marcin_gps said:

... currently available DACs is coming to me: Totaldac Reference-d1. Will report what I think once I get it

Any update on your TotalDAC Reference-D1 review ???

[Marcin_gps]

I haven't received it yet. I'll let you know when I get it...

[kyrill]

IS totalDac not reviewed in 6moons.com together with Metrum by Srajan from 6 moons.com?  If yes I remember that the difference was too small to even consider the price difference.

[aleg]

Review by Srajan found here: http://www.6moons.co........ac3/1.html

No comparison with Metrum in this review though.

[Marcin_gps]

kyrill said:

IS totalDac not reviewed in 6moons.com together with Metrum by Srajan from 6 moons.com?  If yes I remember that the difference was too small to even consider the price difference.

Kyrill, you are talking about TOTALDAC REFERENCE-A1. D1 with dual DAC option is a different beast. Srajan wrote about D1: "The degree to which it bested what I knew (including APL Hifi, Audio Aero, dCS, EMM Labs, Esoteric, Weiss, Meitner and Zanden) was unexpected", so I don't think Metrum can equal its performance, but I'll find out
Also D1 has anti-jitter fifo buffer. Recently I've had a pleasure to listen to a wonderful implementation of sabre dac with anti-jitter fifo and that was the best dac I've heard by a large margin. I didn't see that coming, because so far all sabre based dacs (9018) I've heard sounded dry, metallic.

[gavtron]

which sabre dac is that ?   I have stayed away from them for the same reasons (dry metallic)

[Marcin_gps]

It's not a commercial product.

[Marcin_gps]

I'd like to give you an update on DACs I've been listening in my system for the past few months. I hope you find it interesting.

 Berkeley Alpha DAC Series 2



 

 

SPECIFICATIONS

•Input sampling rate: 32kHz to 192kHz

•Input word length: 24-bit

•Two channel analog stereo outputs: XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced

•Digital Inputs: AES – Single XLR 110Ω, SPDIF – BNC 75Ω, Toslink – Optical, BADA encrypted – RJ-45

•HDCD decoding detects 16-bit flag at 44.1kHz or 24-bit flag at all sampling rates

•Multiple digital filter options

•Balanced analog output level: +18dBu maximum, +12dBu or lower recommended

•Unbalanced analog output level: 3.25Vrms maximum, 2Vrms or lower recommended

•Digital attenuation and balance control: 0.1dB/step with .05dB/step trim, 60dB range

•Frequency response at ≥ 88.2kHz sampling rates: ± 0.1dB from < 0.1Hz to 35 kHz, – 3dB at 59kHz

for 176.4kHz and 192kHz sampling rates

•Distortion at recommended levels: all products ≤ -120dBFS

•THD+N at maximum level: < -110dBFS

•Firmware field upgradeable through signal inputs

•Enclosure dimensions: 1.75”H X 16.5”W x 10.4”D, 19” rack mount option

•Mains power: 100/120/240VAC, 50/60Hz, IEC power input connector

•Power consumption: 25W, designed for continuous operation

 

I listened to BADA 2 via AES input using RME HDSPe AES PCI-e card on PC side and Vovox mucolink AES/EBU cable. 

I found the sound of this DAC very smooth, airy and delicate. Soundstage was expansive and accurate with plans well separated. Tonal balance even across the spectrum. Good dynamics. Due to soft and liquid character, long listening sessions didn't create any signs of fatigue, even with headphones on. However even with all these features at high quality level, I didn't fall in love with the sound of BADA 2. Timbre didn't feel as authentic and convincing as I'd like to hear from a $4995 DAC. 

 

Pros:
– very good resolution
– very good spatiality
– neutral tonality
– multiple digital filters
– volume control

Cons:
– average energy and timbre authenticity 
– build quality could be better for the price

 

Overall score: 6.5/10

 

Coming up next: Lampizator lvl4.5, Metrum Octave, Totaldac D1 reference

 

Edited by Marcin_gps, 18 April 2013 - 11:46 AM.

[goon-heaven]

Thanks Marcin. Nice writeup. Great to have DAC reviews based on Top JPlay source. Looking fwd to the others. Keep it coming!

[kyrill]

nice. Always interesting   How did your form the 6.5? Or is it relative to the others that you then obviously must have heard as well. Or do you have another reference?

[Marcin_gps]

Thanks. Of course it's relative. Reviews without a point of reference are pointless imho.   

[gavtron]

Hi Marcin,   How does the RME HDSPe AES PCI-e card stack up compared to other USB converters?   Thanks,

[Marcin_gps]

Hi gavtron,  There are better USB-S/PDIF/USB-AES converters imho. I'd recommend the RME card only for DACs with AES and word clock i/o like dCS. Using external clock makes it a great solution, but not the best.    Regards,  Marcin 

[gavtron]

Thanks Marcin.   I was wondering how a PCI-e card with a computer that was running from a linear PSU would compare to a USB based unit.   Looking forward to your DAC comparisons - the new Metrum Hex is meant to be quite the upgrade from the octave as well... please keep us posted..

[say]

You have some serious NOS DACS coming up for review Marcin. You lucky dog! The only thing missing is an AudioNote.   Just for kicks I'm going to roll out my old EAD 7000III and hook it up to my bedroom system to see if it tops my Marantz SA15.

[kyrill]

 I must make some day a review of the "old" Sonicweld Diverter"which handles "only" to 96k ( not that I have so much files of 192k...   I have had in house  for month(s) the Kenny MK2/3 ( very  musical), The AP2 ( very precise) the OffRamp5 best of MK3 and AP2   in one package and the Diverter. In my system I prefer musicality above all other props. The Diverter is my winner while it does not do less in focus , transparency, neutrality, 3D and so on

[gavtron]

Hey Kyrill / Marcin,   Have you had the chance to listen to the Berkley (BADA) USB converter?

[Marcin_gps]

gavtron - usb always provides better isolation from PC's noisy environment regardless of PSU used imho.  I hear that Hex is not necessarily superior to Octave. At least not in areas like PRaT and immediacy.  say - I haven't heard Audio Note yet, but I think Josef could tell how it compares to Lampizator kyrill - I have a surprise for you and others as I had both old diverter and new hr2 at the same time in my system as well as some other hi-end usb-s/pdif converters like offramp 5, m2tech evo stack and totaldac reclocker. I want to post a comparison of all above. Also I'm waiting for ar-t legato 2 and I think I can borrow BADA USB-S/PDIF here. Interested in my findings?