I’m exploring a DAC upgrade. I own a Pioneer N50-A Network Player with ESS Sabre ES9011S dual-chips. It sounds fine but I’m wondering if I could improve on the this further. I know that source is one of the critical components that defines audio performance.
I also own a Peter Daniel NOS DAC based on Philips TD1543. With a tube amp, I felt it lacked detailed and transparency. I prefer a good balance between accurate harmonics/tonality while transparent and revealing. I'd like to play hi-res files above the standard 44Khz.
I notice that R2R based DACs tend to have favourable reviews among few audiophiles.
Having said that, I also understand the implementation makes a difference. Any brands that I should consider?
Based on my research some of the brands that I found are:
Border Patrol,
Monarchy,
Denafrips,
Audio-gd,
MHDT,
Holo,
Soeskris,
Metrum,
MSB,
Audio Note,
Schiit.
A few questions:
What are the strengths of R2R DACs? Why do some prefer these?
Are there any downsides to R2R architecture? (A deal breaker for me is lack of agility, macro-dynamics.)
I also own a Peter Daniel NOS DAC based on Philips TD1543. With a tube amp, I felt it lacked detailed and transparency. I prefer a good balance between accurate harmonics/tonality while transparent and revealing. I'd like to play hi-res files above the standard 44Khz.
I notice that R2R based DACs tend to have favourable reviews among few audiophiles.
Having said that, I also understand the implementation makes a difference. Any brands that I should consider?
Based on my research some of the brands that I found are:
Border Patrol,
Monarchy,
Denafrips,
Audio-gd,
MHDT,
Holo,
Soeskris,
Metrum,
MSB,
Audio Note,
Schiit.
A few questions:
What are the strengths of R2R DACs? Why do some prefer these?
Are there any downsides to R2R architecture? (A deal breaker for me is lack of agility, macro-dynamics.)