oh wow, yes i checked and it is a Saber! nice.
you want to comment on the different chips?
I mean I think the implementation of the chips matters more than the chip itself so I would say it depends on the dac. The su8 has a more analytical implementation imo
aw. i wanted to see your comments on each chip.
Believe what you want. You’d be surprised. The spec sheet says it has this chipset PCM1794 / AK4113 / VTI1729.
However, when looked inside, it actually has a SA9023 USB transceiver and Burr Brown (TI) PCM5102A chipset. So its specs are under reported. It also sounds clean, crisp, and pairs well with every amp I have thrown at it.
But who am I or any long time audio enthusiast, to question you if you want to spend hundreds and hundreds more.
Have you considered the used market. There might be a previously owned RME ADI 2 DAC you could get for cheap.
I have to agree somewhat with that sentiment…“Reassuringly expensive” seems to be the philosophy when it comes audiophile equipment?
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The more expensive then better it MUST be. Good chipsets apparently don’t meet “midlevel” standards because higher perceived value = better perceived sound quality.
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Personally I think you could have a low end dac chip with excellent implemention vs a mid to high end chip with not much thought put into implementation and the low end dac would sound better imo. It really depends on how well the dac as a whole was designed. I can’t comment on the Dayton dac since I have not heard it before
He’s referring to the dayton dac he linked beforehand
what the hell, its only 25$ i’ll buy it. I’ve always wondered what the Burr Brown chipset sounded like
aw man, after tax and shipping costs it rose to 35$
That Dayton looks like it shares a design with FX. If it has a low noise floor it would be a decent option, if that style of DAC meets people’s aesthetic preference. After a certain point I think functionality and need takes a backseat to wants and style. It goes far beyond audio.
I like the Burr Brown sound, though I think it adds a little color, maybe not as clean or transparent as say, an ESS Sabre implementation I have. I don’t know if you saw that DAC joke, Sabre chips are edgy and Burr Brown is colored.
So I think some burr brown chips can be slightly warm, depending on their implementation they can be relativity balanced and neutral or a bit more warm and thick like ifi implementations.
hmm, thats fascinating Mon, what do you think of the Xilinx Artix chipset in the Chord Mojo?
It’s an FPGA so that can very depending on how it’s programmed. The mojo has a unique signature that I like alot, as it’s very clean and transparent but still has a natural character. That being said, I don’t think I would recommend buying it for a dac only unless you can get a really good price on it.
Don’t have a ton of experience with DACs, but been very happy with the Topping D70. It’s normally upwards of $500, but you can get it used for $300-$400. Payed $350 for mine. Solid features, and very clean sounding when paired with the THX amp.
ive seen them on ebay for like 200$, you think thats worth it?
For the performance I would say yes, but they do have a slightly colored sound. I would suggest using it as a portable dac/amp if you can because the amp in there is very good for a portable but you can set it to essentially be a line out. That being said it’s not a true line out because it does pass through some extra amps so technically you are double amping but in practice it’s not really a huge issue.
hmm good to know, i think i’ll skip it then. what do you think about the Topping D30 and the Cirrus Wolfson sound?
So I think older wolfson chips before they either merged or were bought by cirrus logic were warmer, and I liked them. Current wolfson chips are actually kinda bright imo. TBH when I think of wolfson I think of older electronics. Cirrus stuff is good but tbh not my favorite.
Edit… nevermind. Chord Mojo.
I’m confused. The topping D70?
dang this linear style