'Entry Level' DAC Comparison - Results

Devlon

I want mostly the EE for it's SS, although there seems to be a consensus that the Psvane 12AX7 (?) is the way to go on this unit if you are into tube rolling. I am only interested in USB. I hear that the EE is pretty good with that. Most EE owners, at least on the original, agree that pulling the tube out gets the best sound. Although, I think I've read that the new one, the DAC PLUS, is much superior on the tube circuit compared to the original EE.

heiney9

The Psvane really isn't that special. But I was completely thinking of a different piece for some reason I had a brain **** and was picturing the tube pre-amp.

Carry on

H9

Devlon

Or is that "Roll On" lol. H9, since you have a Keces too, I just wanted to tell you that with my Crown XLS1500 power amp the Keces can becomes a pre-amp. Back last August I had an opportunity to sit down and drink a beer with Andrew Robinson of Home Theater Magazine. I was surprised to find out that he uses Crown Drive Core XLS series pro amps to power the Pendragons that he ownsAnd as you might imagine, Andrew has owned about every power amp imaginable. Well, I ended up with one and it really is an awesome amp. Recently, when a/bing the W4S DAC 2 with the Keces, I would have to turn my receiver's volume down about -20 clicks to match the output of the Keces with that of the DAC 2. This got me to thinking about the Keces being able to drive a power amp. One of the beauties of the Crown is external dual volume controls. I plugged the Keces directly into the Crown and wow! It worked very well. It's a little bit of a hassle to control the volume manually on the power amp, but to me it's not really that big of a deal. Bottom line.....I'm both amazed and kinda blown away by discovering this. I've focused on the DAC shootout thing right now. Hopefully later I will get the time to A/B the Keces direct to amp vs Sherwood then to amp. The Keces is still continuing to impress! It can make a great preamp with the right power amp like this.

tonyb

How about a little review of your observations between the Keces and W4S.

Devlon

Hey Tony that is coming. But I want to trade or sell the W4S first. You'll see why in my review.

tonyb

Just curious my friend, what are you using as a source for the tunes ? CDP, Computer, PS3, BDP ?

steveinaz

Discount DAAAAABLE check? LOL

rooftop59

Just bumping a great reference thread.

Polkie2009

Thanks for the bump rooftop! I've been looking into getting my feet wet on this new to me technology.

rooftop59

I took ME a long time before purchasing a DAC, because like cables it seems like a lot of money to spend on something that isn't either the source, receiver/amplifier, and speakers (and I am a cheapskate). But really for the price something like the peachtree dac-it, the arcam rdac, or other similar products used, its really a great purchase. The difference is NOT subtle. Its no different than picking up a better amp or pair of speakers. You will be very pleased...

rooftop59

Agreed Skip. It's just that I never realized just how crappy most mass-market sources are, including bdps, cdps, computers, digital servers, etc. For those of us how limit the cost of those sources, a budget DAC can make a huge improvement imho...

heiney9

It all matters. To say one thing in the chain is more important is a little short sighted. Synergy among all pieces is the key.

H9

heiney9

In my 35 years in this hobby, it all matters right down to the cables.

jb5200

Wonder how the Emotiva DAC's would compare?

RamZet

I am a fan of the AKM, its the DAC in my squeeze box and it sounds awesome.
I think anyone with B&W speakers should check out the AKM DACs, they sound good together.

I like my Music Streamer II DAC too. I use this whenever I use my apple computer to play music. Sometimes I use it a lot and sometimes it just sits around.