HI-END DAC group test WHFSAV

[admin_exported]

Audio Research dac7,Cyrus dac-x and PSX-R,Bryston BDA-1 and CHORD DAC-76.
All used with Cyrus xtse and PSX-R as a transport.
Any thoughts.

 

[Anonymous]

They said a little while ago reviews of hi-end DACs would be filtering through over the course of this year, no group test though. I can understand that, expensive DACs are going through an initial period of exclusivity and I expect companies maybe concerned about getting bad press at a vital period in their reputations.

I am too however annoyed that there aren't any such reviews, especially seeing as how I had to go to great lengths to listen to a Stello before I bought a Benchmark. I've been considering buying a Lavry on credit card just to get an idea of how it compares since hearing about it elsewhere even though it has been around for ages.

 

[Anonymous]

From your list I'd say the Chord, it's quite literally in aÿdifferentÿleague - I've only heard the DAC64, but should imagine the 76 builds upon this....

How it will sound with the Cyrus I don't know, depends how you like your sound...I'd be afraid of it being on the lean side...

If you want to spend less, a lot less, I'd check out the Lavry DA10. I've read good things of the Stello also, but never heard one yet.

Personally, I'm holding out for the Naim standalone DAC and hoping it appears in time as I swap out my gear...ÿ

 

[Anonymous]

SC:
Naim standalone DAC

Are you sure about this?

 

[VoodooDoctor]

The Benchmark should definitely be on that list as well. I'm very pleased with mine but would love to read a comparative test.

 

[Anonymous]

We'll see....I have no clue, but I'd be very surprised if they go the year without one.....There are defo new Naim products coming, just no one knows what...!

 

[chebby]

 

[Andrew Everard]

...Says the man with the DAC fed by a power supply costing almost as much the converter itself.

 

[the record spot]

Andrew Everard:...Says the man with the DAC fed by a power supply costing almost as much the converter itself.

LOL! Or, "busted" as the Americans would say!

 

[Anonymous]

chebby, did adding that separate power supply make a big difference to your fubars sound?

 

[Clare Newsome]

And yes, there'll be plenty more DAC action in WHF this year, including Group Tests. Just waiting for a few more forthcoming products to filter through... We'll know more after next month's Bristol Show.