Idea for a AS review - Topping, Matrix, ProJect...

[guiltyboxswapper]

As posted a while back, replaced my beloved T+A DAC 8 DSD with an SMSL D1. 

 

Brought the SMSL out of curisoity and as a "temp" unit to fill in whilst the T+A went back for repair.  Even after repair (quartz in 44.1x had issues), the SMSL is clearly ahead. 

 

Infact, the T+A especially with "wide mode" activated can sound a little too hyper bordering unnatural at times in comparison.

 

Both using HQPlayer at DSD 512 rates.

[guiltyboxswapper]

7 hours ago, Ralf11 said:

a $1,300 DAC is preferred to a $4,400 one...

 

yet the OP was about DACs in the $400 range

 

I don't see a number mentioned - just "high value" mentioned.  OP asked for actual ears to ground.  T+A DAC is well known around here for very good reasons. 

 

$850 is the realistic price these days. 

[guiltyboxswapper]

59 minutes ago, 57gold said:

FWIW - Bargain priced to me is relative.  $1,300 versus $4,400 qualifies as a relative bargain.  

 

DAC in question operates with 2 high end DAC chips that show up in $3-5K DACs, with only one of the chips.

 

Wondered if lower priced units included good digital parts but fall short on analog outs, which member motberg seems to believe due to lack of dynamics of the bargain unit he checked out.

 

Not in the D1's case at least (dynamics).  Almost as explosive as the T+A, with the T+A bordering into unnaturally explosive (though YMMV).   

 

Wonder if the D70 got time to break in?

[guiltyboxswapper]

Goes to show how little "thd+n" can tell you about a DAC in reality.  D70 measures up well too.  I don't believe its a feature of the AKM DACs themselves either (lack of dynamics) as I've heard superb AK4490 implementations that don't lack there.

[guiltyboxswapper]

@motberg iirc there's been mixed opinions about the GUSTARD DACs including the very latest ESS "thd+n buster"; worth a read up on their side.

 

FWIW I did try the LKS 004 DAC for a while, another dual ESS design.  Bettered the T+A in PCM (which ill admit isnt all that difficult), but clearly behind in DSD mode.    

[guiltyboxswapper]

@Miska are there any standalone DACs the EVGA card reminds you of?

 

Also have you thought about feeding its SATA power port with better power than say a standard ATX PSU?