irDAC vs rDAC - owners can you help?

[David Palmar]

Hello folks,

I am currently running Kef LS50's, Arcam rDAC and Neo V2 Sub in my main listening room. I've always been really pleased with the rDAC's sound but have read the recent rave reviews on the irDAC. I know the componentry is different in the respective DACs and am wondering how much better the irDAC sounds compared to the rDAC.

Is there anyone out there who has experience with both of these DACs or with the irDAC? Would it be worth upgrading the rDAC?

Regards,

David.

 

[Ketan Bharadia]

Hello, while the iRDAC is better sounding than the rDAC I still think changing from one to the other is a bit of a sideways move. If you do want to upgrade it would make more sense to at least go a level higher to something like Audiolab's MDAC.

 

[steve_1979]

DAC's usually make minimal difference to the sound. Save your money and spend it on something more beneficial.

 

[MeanandGreen]

DAC's usually make minimal difference to the sound. Save your money and spend it on something more beneficial.

I would agree with this. I think it would be a complete waste of money changing from a rDac to an irDac. I doubt any real differnce would be heard, certainly not £400 worth if anything at all.

 

[Frank Harvey]

I think it would be a complete waste of money changing from a rDac to an irDac. I doubt any real differnce would be heard, certainly not £400 worth if anything at all.

Which is what Ketan has said.

For me, the next decent, worthwhile step up is the Chord Qute EX.

 

[relocated]

Hello, while the iRDAC is better sounding than the rDAC I still think changing from one to the other is a bit of a sideways move. If you do want to upgrade it would make more sense to at least go a level higher to something like Audiolab's MDAC.

A qualitative statement based on what? Measurements and blind testing? I'll wager not. As others have said, keep your hand off your wallet and only spend in an area that will give real improvements to YOU.

 

[bigboss]

Hello, while the iRDAC is better sounding than the rDAC I still think changing from one to the other is a bit of a sideways move. If you do want to upgrade it would make more sense to at least go a level higher to something like Audiolab's MDAC.

A qualitative statement based on what? Measurements and blind testing? I'll wager not. As others have said, keep your hand off your wallet and only spend in an area that will give real improvements to YOU.

It's his subjective opinion based on his experience of reviewing. And he did advise it's pointless to go for iRDAC. Can't WHF staff even advise on their own forum now (regardless of whether you agree with their advice or not)? And people complain lack of involvement from WHF staff on this forum. *unknw*

 

[MeanandGreen]

I think it would be a complete waste of money changing from a rDac to an irDac. I doubt any real differnce would be heard, certainly not £400 worth if anything at all.

Which is what Ketan has said.

For me, the next decent, worthwhile step up is the Chord Qute EX.

Actually that's not what he said. He said the irDAC sounds better than the rDAC... It won't.

Yes he said it's not a worthwhile upgrade, then recommends something else. Fair enough, but again it's good money for something that will make little to no difference.

 

[bigboss]

What Hi Fi is not alone in their opinion.

https://www.avforums.com/threads/irdac-vs-rdac-sort-of-review.1807690/

 

[Vladimir]

 

[Andy Clough]

It's his subjective opinion based on his experience of reviewing. And he did advise it's pointless to go for iRDAC. Can't WHF? staff even advise on their own forum now (regardless of whether you agree with their advice or not)? And people complain lack of involvement from WHF staff on this forum. *unknw*

Damned if we do bigboss, damned if we don't *dash1*

 

[Native_bon]

If people are saying it would not make any difference then they are free to say so as well. Everyone said stuff about the rega dac, how good it sounded, but it was not for me. I then settled for the V90 dac 2. cheaper but sounded better in my setup. It definitely gave me a cleaner bass sound.

I also used the Audio lab mdac, irdac, but the v90 gave the cleaner sound with no trace of hardness to the sound. The irdac has a very relaxed sound but not as much weight in the bass as the mdac. Apart from that not much between them. You have to really listen out to really hear the differences if not you will not notice them.

So if you really want to change the sound I dnt think you will get much from changing the dac.

May I also mention WHF has the right to give its own opinion. Without this website many will not have the knowledge there have now. Yes there are different but , you could get better upgrading other parts of your system.

Hope this helps.

 

[Hugh56]

If you want to upgrade your rdac, try changing its power supply to a Maplin VN10L one, which cost around £20. I believe it makes it sound cleaner and the bass more controlled. I tried it out this afternoon.

Arcam rDac, Naim Nait 3 with NAC A5 cable, B&W 685 S2

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_664715932]

I haven't heard the rDac. I am using irdac for ipod classic and it sounds amazing.
Before I upgraded my cdp I had it connected with the marantz cd6005 too. Having bought the sa8005 I am only using the irdac for ipod as sa8005 sounds better on its own.