T+A DAC 200

[e.Latte]

Hi All,

I am opening this forum of discussion to focus on the new  DAC 200. I've been looking at the DAC 8 thread and thought it might be better for the DAC 200 to have its own thread. It looks great and the specs align to what I want. I am excited to hear it once it hits stores.

https://www.ta-hifi.de/en/audiosystems/series-200/dac-200-d-a-converter/

[fds]

Appearantly, the T+A DAC 200 has arrived in German high end stores. Also first reviews are coming in. There is one (in German) by the German magazin Stereoplay:

 

https://www.ta-hifi.de/wp-content/uploads/stereoplay_12_-2021_dac_a_mp_200.pdf

 

Another one of the German magazin Stereo is scheduled to come out with their Dec edition on Nov 10.

[fds]

... and here is the link to the new Stereo review (in German) as well. What a great service of T+A to have them openly available on their webpage:

 

https://www.ta-hifi.de/wp-content/uploads/stereo_a_dac_200_12_2021.pdf

 

Many thanks. Looking forward to a first listening test :-) ... although my DAC8DSD did arrive less than one year ago and is still providing great listening experiences here.

[jiminlogansquare]

I am using and enjoying a DAC 8 DSD with a Primare PRE35 preamp. When I purchased this setup, it was premised on the notion that the DAC 8's volume control was not truly competent and that a preamp was necessary. Now the DAC 200 arrives with what appears to be one of T+A's best preamp circuits built in. Sounds like a great solution. 

 

HOWEVER ...

 

Unless someone convinces me that the DAC 200 with its built-in preamp sounds a lot better than what I have put together, then I can't see going to the expense  and bother of updating my system to include the DAC 200. My feeling is that if I were starting over, I would go with the DAC 200 and be glad I did; but I will need a big dose of motivation to make a switch now.

[mevdinc]

DAC 200 does look very promising. I am eagerly waiting for more reviews and user impressions.

[The Computer Audiophile]

I just requested a review sample of this DAC.

[jiminlogansquare]

50 minutes ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

I just requested a review sample of this DAC.

As you might adduce from my post of November 12, above, I am very interested in seeing your review of the DAC 200. I suppose the chances are slim of your doing a head-to-head comparison to the T+A DAC 8 DSD, but if you can arrange it, I think it would be helpful to a lot of members here. (And, I think the DAC 8, while discontinued by the manufacturer, remains the most obvious competitor - as pre-used gear - with respect to the DAC circuitry in the DAC 200).

[edn4x4]

@The Computer Audiophile I am local and have the T+A DAC 8 DSD.

Drop me a message and we can make this happen.

[The Computer Audiophile]

T+A is way back ordered on the 200 series. Not sure when I can get this. Working on it. 

[edn4x4]

The offer stands.

[e.Latte]

I'm lucky that my local stereo shop will have the DAC 200 soon for demo. I'll report back once I get to hear it. 😀

[mevdinc]

17 hours ago, e.Latte said:

I'm lucky that my local stereo shop will have the DAC 200 soon for demo. I'll report back once I get to hear it. 😀

Can't wait, I am really looking forward to reading some reviews and user impressions.

[DonaldM]

On the website of T+A are two reviews of the DAC200 in German: https://www.ta-hifi.de/audiosysteme/serie-200/dac-200-d-a-wandler/ 

See “Testberichte”.
For non German speakers, you could use a translate program. 

[fds]

Another review (in German) can be found in the web magazine low beats:

 

https://www.lowbeats.de/test-ta-dac-200-und-endstufe-a-200-maximaler-musikspass-im-midi-format-made-in-germany/

[mevdinc]

Has anyone had a chance to listen to DAC 200, any firsthand impressions would be appreciated?

Still looking forward to reading reviews from international reviewers.

[OE333]

Due to the current shortage of electronic and aluminum parts DAC 200 production output at T+A is quite low at the moment. Furthermore the demand for this model is overwhelming and much higher than expected. 

So currently there is a significant backlog in deliveries and it might be hard to find any demo devices at dealers.

 

T+A is sorry for any delays and is working hard to improve the situation.

 

[mevdinc]

23 hours ago, OE333 said:

Due to the current shortage of electronic and aluminum parts DAC 200 production output at T+A is quite low at the moment. Furthermore the demand for this model is overwhelming and much higher than expected. 

So currently there is a significant backlog in deliveries and it might be hard to find any demo devices at dealers.

 

T+A is sorry for any delays and is working hard to improve the situation.

 

Thanks for the info. 

[Gary Anderson]

I have running the 200 for the last 6 hours with maybe 60 hours on it.

 

i have to ship on Friday by 5:30 central time.

 

Currently I have the Bricasti M1 SE with MDX 1.07

 

interesting machine the 200 is.

[mevdinc]

14 hours ago, Gary Anderson said:

I have running the 200 for the last 6 hours with maybe 60 hours on it.

 

i have to ship on Friday by 5:30 central time.

 

Currently I have the Bricasti M1 SE with MDX 1.07

 

interesting machine the 200 is.

It would be great to hear your impressions and comparisons with Bricasti M1 SE.

[Gary Anderson]

The 200 didn’t have but 75 hours on it so a comparison between it and my M1 SE would not be fair.

 

I can write that it has the T+A sound signature, that being very smooth in a non fatiguing way. I think once it has 600+ hours on it it will be a machine to be reckoned with in its price range and will give the M1 SE a run for its $$$.

 

 

 

 

[fds]

Many thanks, Gary. Indeed, from my experience with the T+A DAC 8 DSD, it really makes sense what you are saying. This precessor device really needed quite some time to reach its potential in my listening room. Somehow I had the impression that it became better organized, more transparent and better in timing with increasing listening hours. Thanks to my friendly dealer, I had two weeks to test it. Only towards the end of that period, I finally came to the conclusion to keep it. Still very happy to have it here ... but an upgrade to the 200 looks very tempting of course. However, no need to rush here since I am still very happy with the DAC 8 DSD.

[The Computer Audiophile]

There may be some movement on getting a DAC200 for review! 

[Ben-M]

9 minutes ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

There may be some movement on getting a DAC200 for review! 

Speak of the devil. I haven't checked the thread much since your last post in December, but here we are, almost right at the same time. 

 

I'm not asking for it, but a review of the DAC 200 with comparative comments vs. very venerable DAC8DSD would be some very fine reading material. 

[Miska]

I'm now using two very similar devices. HA 200 + Solitaire P for one of headphone systems and DAC 200 for my main loudspeaker system. So I'm very well covered in this respect! 🙂

[The Computer Audiophile]

29 minutes ago, Miska said:

I'm now using two very similar devices. HA 200 + Solitaire P for one of headphone systems and DAC 200 for my main loudspeaker system. So I'm very well covered in this respect! 🙂

Nice!