Which of these DAC's is "best"?

[Ohmish]

Hi
I got a Yamaha R-N600A receiver amp, and just bought a used Yamaha CD-S300 CD player/deck (don't have it yet)

Both have optical connection. And I'm wondering if I should use it or not
Which unit do you think has the best quality DAC?

The R-N600A has "SABRE ES9080Q 384kHz/32-bit (ESS)" DAC
CD-S300 has "Burr-Brown 192kHz/24-bit" DAC

If the R-N600A has the best DAC then I will use the optical connection and let the receiver handle the conversion.
If the CD-S300 DAC seems best then I will use its analog outputs instead

Maybe it's much a matter of "which sound character do I like most" of the two DAC's, and maybe I gotta try it out
But would like to know which one is technically best

Thank you

 

[skinnypuppy71]

I doubt you will hear a discernable difference between the two at this price point.

 

[Messiah]

Maybe it's much a matter of "which sound character do I like most" of the two DAC's, and maybe I gotta try it out

This is what matters. Not what is technically best. 😊

(Logically, it does not make sense to listen to the sound you do not prefer just because the DAC is 'technically' better).

 

[davidf]

Like for like price points, the source component will usually have the better DAC (generally speaking), as there's usually a lot more inside an amplifier than a CD player, especially when you start adding phono stages and streaming etc. Of course, it'll be more down to the implementation than the DAC itself. If you have good quality interconnects, the DAC in the CD player will be a good option, but if they're real bargain basement, go digital and get that digital signal further before decoding it to analogue.
You may find a little "character" to the Burr Brown DAC, with the ESS being more "there you go, that's it". If you find yourself hearing a discernible difference, there's nothing stopping you connecting it up both ways and choosing one or the other for certain genres of music, or for good or not so good recordings.

 

[SteveH72]

Try them both and then you can decide. I doubt you’ll hear any discernible difference.

 

[Gray]

Try them both and then you can decide. I doubt you’ll hear any discernible difference.

...especially if you got someone else to secretly do the swapping for you.
(You might even have a job to tell whether or not a swap has taken place).

 

[davidf]

Or, he might.

 

[Vincent Kars]

CD-S300 is from 2009
R-N600A is from 2023
I expect the R-N600A to have the better DAC, simply less distortion, lower noise floor, etc. as DAC technology improved over time.

 

[SteveH72]

Only one way to find out….

 

[Ohmish]

CD-S300 is from 2009
R-N600A is from 2023
I expect the R-N600A to have the better DAC, simply less distortion, lower noise floor, etc. as DAC technology improved over time.

But that also depends on whether you want a clean clinical sound or a more colored charming sound (if that's the case. I don't know what it does yet)

 

[Vincent Kars]

IMHO a box that colors is simply not true to the recording and will never be.
Its coloration might enhance a bad recording but at the same time spoil a good recording. That is the problem with one trick horses, they color all the time, needed or not.
Better get something neutral and use DSP if you are in need of coloration.

 

[Gray]

...or a more colored charming sound

☹️ Stop it!

 

[Ohmish]

I looked at what AI says too (based on what it finds on internet/forums etc):

Burr-Brown Characteristics

• Sound Signature: Perceived as warmer, richer in the midrange, and sometimes described as having more "weight".
  
  
• Strengths: Associated with detailed instruments, a fuller sound, and can contribute to an excellent soundstage.
  
  
• Considerations: Some listeners find the sound a bit "grainy" or less clear than ESS.

ESS Sabre Characteristics

• Sound Signature:
  Often described as very clear, clinical, and analytical, sometimes perceived as having no distinct "character".
  
  
• Strengths:
  Known for a very high dynamic range, a wide soundstage, and excellent clarity, supporting high-resolution formats like DSD and MQA.
  
  
• Considerations:
  Can be perceived as "boring" or too analytical by some listeners after prolonged listening.

Key Considerations for Choice

• Personal Preference:
  The "better" chip is subjective. Listeners who prefer a warm, full sound might lean towards Burr-Brown, while those who appreciate clarity and detail may prefer ESS.
  
  
• Implementation:
  The final sound is heavily influenced by the entire DAC circuit, not just the chip itself. Even high-end chips like Sabre can sound poor with a bad implementation.
  
  
• Context:
  ESS Sabre DACs are often chosen for high-performance systems and applications requiring a wide dynamic range, whereas Burr-Brown chips are sometimes favored for a more natural and musical sound.

 

[Ohmish]

Now I'm curious and gonna try both out

 

[manicm]

IMHO a box that colors is simply not true to the recording and will never be.
Its coloration might enhance a bad recording but at the same time spoil a good recording. That is the problem with one trick horses, they color all the time, needed or not.
Better get something neutral and use DSP if you are in need of coloration.

With the latest off the shelf DAC chips you actually may want some colouring.

 

[Fandango Andy]

Hi
I got a Yamaha R-N600A receiver amp, and just bought a used Yamaha CD-S300 CD player/deck (don't have it yet)

Both have optical connection. And I'm wondering if I should use it or not
Which unit do you think has the best quality DAC?

The R-N600A has "SABRE ES9080Q 384kHz/32-bit (ESS)" DAC
CD-S300 has "Burr-Brown 192kHz/24-bit" DAC

If the R-N600A has the best DAC then I will use the optical connection and let the receiver handle the conversion.
If the CD-S300 DAC seems best then I will use its analog outputs instead

Maybe it's much a matter of "which sound character do I like most" of the two DAC's, and maybe I gotta try it out
But would like to know which one is technically best

Thank you

Which is best? The one that sounds best to you!

 

[Gray]

With the latest off the shelf DAC chips you actually may want some colouring.

Good luck to anyone that does, I say.
That sort of suggests that the latest DAC chips are too neutral 🤔

...a bit like saying that my real chips taste too much like chips - unless I put salt and vinegar on them 😉
Not a problem for me, but each to their own.