An interesting story about the Soncoz SGD1 DAC

[@ThomasAndStereo]

$50 coupon code for HIFIGO purchase Non-affiliated link: hifigo.com/collections/soncoz/products/soncoz-sgd1-balance-dac-dual-chip-es9038q2m-32bit-768khz-dsd512 Link to XLR cable: hifigo.com/collections/xlr-balanced-cables/products/skw-bg09-xlr-cable-male-to-female-6n-occ-1-pair Altitudo Audio : altitudoaudio.ca/products/tri-art-p-series-35watt-integrated-amplifier-1

[@Labor_Jones]

Let ME Tell the Story: DATS to be honest are really new to me, although I have had CDs for ever and ever. To BUILD Some Level of understanding I bought 12 used Samsung bluray players of varying cost last year. I discovered that some models via the RCA output sounded a lot better than others & I believe it's because 1.) the DATS were better 2.) the Techs used in those devices made software take advantage of those DATS 3.) I think the CD Mechanism were also of a better quality... Technically all these Samsung models were cheap not Audiophile quality, but as a chance to audition when you are not a Reviewer making some kind of living and with a chance to hear the BEST of what is out there basically for FREE... till you buy Sample of course. .... Acquiring confidence, I discovered a DAT on my USED $2,400 (1999) original cost Pre-Amp had a DAT inside of it and for a 1st time USED IT. ..... I have no idea if it's a good DAT or NOT, but it sounds exceptional, and I use it for a number of purposes now. ..... That's not exactly the end of the Story, because sometime in the future I would opt out for a better DAT one day, but for now it's TUBES and TURNTABLE/w Cartridges. Couple days ago..... Something I discovered on the PRE-AMP I didn't know! The Pre-Amp is all CLASS 'A' design. I thought it was a A/B design, but for $170 dollars purchase? What else can I say :)

[@Staybrown11]

After watching Loic’s recent video on Entry level DAcS I decided to purchase a “high end” DAC. 2 weeks ago I got a Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE. The interesting thing for me was learning that my system is capable of “more”. I normally was listening to music at 11am on the volume dial. Now I get to 9am to 10am on the volume dial and the sound is just more expansive. The bass and dynamics are unbelievable. The soundstage and soundscape is just immersive. I can now move my speakers 3 ft into the room and there is clearly a band playing in my living room. Drums are in the back (to one side or in the middle) guitars are coming out of the speakers but clearly in front of the drums and singer who is always dead center. The sound is just “real”. Voices and instruments sound real and natural. You never know what a DAC is responsible for until you try it in your system. I came from Denafrips ares 2, Gustard a22.

[@devinwilliams4851]

Thanks for sharing this. What's the name of his channel? Also, what amp and speakers are you using?

[@Staybrown11]

@@devinwilliams4851 @Hifi Cave. He did a wonderful take on DACS, their limits and what to expect if going up the chain. Yamaha AS2200 KLH Model 5. I had no idea my model 5 could sound and image like the way do now.

[@devinwilliams4851]

@@Staybrown11 What's the name of his KZbin Channel? I'd like to watch it also.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4TLaqKQqd-qa6M

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Congrats on your purchase!

[@miquifaye]

Thomas is the absolute best at storytelling . It's like fine documentary cinema.

[@shingnosis]

Coaxial out is good for passing signal to, for instance, a home cinema system. It's highly likely it doesn't decode/encode but rather it's a splitter and a pass through. Say you're streaming from a media pc, sometimes you want to listen to music on a high-end 2ch hi-fi system and other times you want to use a home cinema system in the same room. Here the coax out is a nice feature to have, it's a creature comfort for those that need it.

[@PartyMusic775]

Good reasons for coaxial out: 1. Ability to play from two different DACs at same time or switch between them. 1a. This is good when you use different DACs for different tracks or moods. 2. See the bit and sample rate on an older TOTL DAC that doesn't show it. 2a. This is especially good if the second DAC doesn't have galvanic USB separation or even a USB input. 3. Pull MQA off the DAC into a DAC that doesn't have it. 4. Send the digital stream into some chain with digital inputs for a variety of uses.

[@DynissRainer]

The most common reason a digital coaxial output “might” be used on a DAC “might” be for professional use (e.g. within an audio production studio), where digital signals are sometimes routed instead of converting to analog and routing. That said, most pros in such environments use AES/EB rather than digital coaxial (also known as SPDIF).

[@Omegga26]

I have a Suncoz SGD 1 and use the coax out to my Yamaha amp after “cleaning up” usb signal from an Nvidia Shield to a Denafrips Iris DDC and aes out to SGD1. Sounds amazing!!!!

[@ChicagoRob2]

Thomas & Stereo is an audio review treasure.

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

I bought my Bryston BDA-1 DAC a few years ago used for 500 bucks. It matches my other Bryston gear down to the silver color. Now as to listening through the BDA-1 vs. the DAC in my harman kardon CDR-20 I am torn. The BDA1 is more detailed but the CDR20 may be more musical. Maybe it has a little butteriness or something. Update, hooked up coax digital out of cdr20 to bda1 with an equal cable (DH Labs D750 vs DH Labs Air Matrix) and it is a marked improvement through the BDA1 vs cdr dac. The top end is greatly improved. Well so much for butteriness.

[@oz1701]

Hi Thomas. Do enjoy your thoughtful videos. Since you asked about how I decided to choose my Topping D90 dac. Your review was the deciding factor. Really pleased with it. Bought some JBL l82s recently and it is very satisfying with those. The amp is a Rotel RA 1572. A solid amp for the price.

[@aussie8114]

You could run the digital out into an amp that already has a built in DAC. While running the analog out from this DAC into the same amp, that would allow you to switch from one input to another for a different sound, or to easily A B compare them from the listening position using the amps remote to switch inputs.

[@ricardocoloma-md]

Thomas thank you for your reviews I am a big fan of your take on audiophilia

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Happy to hear that!

[@danashay]

Huh. A dac for those of us that wont shop the spendy ones. You, sir, have outdone yourself. Another reference video, Thomas. Peerless, really. Thank you so much! Please carry on!

[@NosTubes58]

While I had and loved this DAC, it was replaced with a Denafrips Ares ll, simply because I didn’t like its lite display, yet sound wise, I found it very very balanced overall.

[@annebokma4637]

Coax out can be used to convert a signal from AES ebu or toslink or USB before going to a higher end dac which doesn't have the required input

[@SpinnerPaddlefoot]

Thank you Thomas for displaying another potential option. Would love to hear your thoughts on how this DAC, paired with your upcoming tube integrated amplifier would sound with the Concept 500.

[@2ridiculous41]

The Soncoz is my current DAC. It gathered a bunch of good reviews and at the end of last year I picked one up. That upper mid ranch, yes, spicy unless you already have too much in which case you'll burn your mouth. Absolutely brilliant resolution. An old girlfriend came to visit and immediately commented on it. Actually she described it as "all the instruments are so distinct". BUt there was perhaps the lsightest bit of harshnessthere, almost as if the music were leaning towards me not sitting back relaxed. It took a little bit of sorting out. I use a BLuesound, but not the NOde, I have the Vault. WHich is the NOde plus an internal hard drive. And the operating system lets me apply some degree of sound management (dare I call it... tone controls???). I rolled the top end off by 1.5dB. Yes, not a lot, but the balance of spices was then hugely improved.

[@2ridiculous41]

Recently I added an isolation platform I made with an IKea chopping block and 4 Moongel pads. They are made from drummers to damp drum skins. That tamed the touch of edge and REALLY gave me what I had been hoping for.

[@PaulMaison]

Another reason a DAC would have a digital output is to be used with a digital recording component such as a DAT or Mini Dics player/recorder.

[@scottparkhurst5928]

Bingo. They reason most if not all the reviews have tip toed around.

[@freelancer1499]

Great review Thomas. I love the storytelling aspect to it. Very easy to watch. Could you kindly share what mic are you using during this review? Thks!

[@MusicLover-01]

Thanks Thomas, your reference to me is worth the extra easily based on the sound demo. However, I'm definitely back in the R2R space again chasing for analogue goodness or better still listening to vinyl.

[@kurt120032002]

8:50 Reply: My first gear was an SMSL M7. since then, I have tried 5 DACs and I always found them somehow unpleasant on the top end, so I got a QTEST, and for the first time since the M7, I got a relaxing, and somehow enjoyable sound. I say somehow because this DAC has a few problems the bigger one beeing it sound is thin, no weight, no body. I am planning to get an expensive PSU and I am really curious is that will fix the issue (I call it expensive not because it is 7-8000$ but becase it cost just as much as the DAC itself), and if that will fix that 1 single issue, I am ready to call Chord Qtest my end game.

[@stephenstevens6573]

Thank you, btother...I really appreciate your honesty!!

[@marc-andregagne6826]

I picked my integrated amp because its DAC had a much higher and wider soundstage than the bluesound Node 2i solution it was competing against (in the dealer's treated room). The difference was not subtle at all. Really enjoyed this video. Stop! Don't make me pull the trigger on something I don't need, like a second system.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks for sharing!

[@gioponti6359]

Excellent review! Sound, and well contextualiased. Tx!

[@stuartboros7693]

Interesting review. I bought the dac I still use, the Benchmark DAC1 HDR, because I wanted a neutral transparent slightly lean sound and because I wanted to use it directly as a pre to my amp. I needed another dac for my bedroom/tv so I got the Benchmark DAC3 hgc but discovered I preferred the slightly brighter sound of the DAC1. BTW, I noticed the different sonic signature between the two dacs even when just using them as preamps for my FM tuner.

[@goodsound4756]

Sounds like the typical ESS Sabre based DAC to me. The last dac I bought was a way to good offer to miss for a MSB Technology „The Analog“ R2R DAC.

[@samt1039]

Hi Thomas, in future reviews please provide time- stamp links for each segment for quick sound comparison, thanks.

[@jayem1826]

My Sony DAT Deck had an adapter that could accept coax and Toslink in for recording. My ancient Audio Alchemy DDE 3.O had digital out. I used to record to DAT tape from the DAC.

[@christianjforbes]

Considering this direct into my Pass ACA for a budget solution

[@genkifd]

the reason i purchased my DAC is synergy in my system. my components (Audio GD) was highly recommended and extensively used by my speaker designer (Hulgich). to me synergy is the key.

[@haraldh.9354]

spdif out for eg. hifiakademie class D amp, with digital dsp (also cascode it) modul for "activate" your speaker

[@brendanliddell240]

Thanks for the review. Please review the Willsenton R300 SET Class A Amplifier.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yes, they have shipped out that unit to me already, I should get it in 2 months.

[@Pete.across.the.street]

That coax out would be great for decoding mqa files for the new Peachtree Gan 1 since it only has a coax input.

[@Iam-mad]

I could plug a pair of my Philips DSS930 into the SPDIF OUT (or daisy chain several pairs), this digital speakers from the 90ies have digital in/out RCAs and one can set them as L/R or Mono, and control the Vol via IR control. These speakers where revolutionary in this time, with DSP controlled bass membranes, could play deep frequ. with a small volume. I a have 9 pairs of these ;)

[@calaf_725]

Thank you for another interesting review with real world user examples. My question is does it have a lossy digital volume control like most dacs at this price range?

[@jungtarcph]

Thomas, did you use an external Preamp?

[@robmaxwell3678]

Hi Thomas, my DAC is just the opposite of what you described with he Soncoz. I'm looking for something with a bit less upper midrange to smooth out my system. Any suggestions under $1000?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Check out my IFI neo review. Given you can get it on Amazon with a trial period, perhaps it is worth checking it out.

[@GavinMarkable]

Analytical yet analogish(devoid of the digital glare).. That's what i look for in a dac!

[@scottyo64]

I won a bid on Ebay, thats how I picked out my DAC. Got it super cheap but it is pretty old. I love the sound of it though.

[@HD-su9sq]

Thomas, thank you for your stories! I don’t watch those other channels so your words are important to me. DACs are evolving so fast, I’ve been holding off. But at this price maybe I should commit. Mmmmm

[@emarshallp]

Thomas what about the VMV Sd1 Se. Many people say Is a hidden gem???? Thanks!

[@nitraM321]

doesn’t it have an analog in ? if yes, the digital out would allow to use it a ADC

[@robh9079]

coax out; digital recording e.g. on a CD writer? feeding to dsp in dig domain(to control sub)?

[@jacquesracine9571]

My question: given that I would be happy with the features of the Bitfrost from Schiit… bitfrost or this one?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I never heard the Bifrost so I don't know how it compares.

[@Boonnn23]

Hey Thomas, I have a topping d90se and I'm looking for a "warmer" and less "clinical sound while maintaining the speed and punch of the bass from the d90se. Do you think the soncoz might be a good change? Love the story telling btw!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

No it is not warmer sounding.

[@oz1701]

I admit I was curious about that. I have the original D90. I wouldn't have described the sound as clinical. Both sets of speakers I have had with it. Paradigm studios and JBL L82 lean into the warmer side of neutral so maybe it comes down to synergy.

[@nc3419]

You might have to go the R2R route for both warmth and speed/punch/better defined leading edges but those may cost 2-4X more. The only ChiFi versions that seem to add much of what you are looking for may be in the recently reviewed SMSL M500 MKII and possibly the SMSL V series of dacs, and maybe due to the V series adding choices for sound. But at the cheapest level, the M500 MKII was stated to be an alternative to a Aries dac while still having sufficient detail and adding depth. If it goes on sale during Prime weekend, I may pick one up myself. Do a price match on APOS for extended warranty protection is my other advice. I currently have the D70S now discontinued.

[@nc3419]

@@ThomasAndStereo I have both a dilemma in speakers and have had an epiphany regarding my amps. First off, I'm the guy with both a Keces e40 and a Hegel h160. I have found that at lower to more moderate volumes, they both perform more similarly than different and have preferred both over other amps I have tried. I use Focal 807W speakers which I have preferred over pretty much anything under $1200. Tight bass (would like a bit more though), nice mids (trying for a more juicer sound though) and nicely extended treble (I prefer this). I am looking for a speaker upgrade and have 3 considerations. I would also like to see your offering. Target date is the end of summer or sooner. Now as to amps, I conferred with one reviewer who had the h160 who stated it needed to be turned up to 70 on its' dial to more come into its' own. I always used it between 45 and 60 depending on speaker. With the Focals it was typically 45 to 53. In an apartment, turning it up more would bring the neighbors pounding on the door. So I became accustomed to those listening levels but at nearly 60 yrs., I don't crank the tunes much anymore. However, I did that on the little Keces the other day just to hear the difference. Typically, on the Focals, I listen between the 10 to 11:30 position depending on music, watching a movie, etc. I have a few CDs that need it to be turned to the noon position. These aren't many watts. So I experimented and noticed a definite change in presentation. While it became louder, it also had the effect of more body, more realism, etc. There's a small area that it does that, it was about 2 o'clock on the volume dial and I noticed bass distortion going to 3 o'clock or so. This amp is unique in that its' frequency response while flat and very extended to 100kHz, starts rising in dB from about 200 Hz on downward. It's not very powerful but it's a very well designed and tiny class AB amp. With the hegel, I get the same thing, turning it really loud but I do not listen that loud. Perhaps if I lived with no neighbors, yea, 15-30 minutes of loud and not even everyday. So, the question is, is this typical of most amplifiers that anyone of them has a sweetspot range where their performance/sonic attributes are maximized. Each of my amps sound really good btw and I prefer the smoothness over outright PRAT which could get tiring. I'd rather listen longer and be in bliss than rock out which would only be from time to time. I think there are alot of listeners with these habits. And, are there amps in your experience that have maximized their SQ at lower listening levels better than other amps? The hegel h190 was stated to achieve better low level listening but with a much higher damping factor, it might also be too much of a grip for the speaker I use, typically standmount. So, my topic is one of both component capability and system synergy. The Focals play well at low volume. I do not miss much but only get less of it at low volume. In contrast, I tried the Boston Acoustics M15 standmount which was awful at low volumes, uninspiring at moderate volumes but a kickass, best in show at high volumes. The M15 needed both high watts and current and Metallica sounded live turned up really loud, loud enough where you can't hear yourself yell. While that was amazing, its' not my typical listening habits. OCD HiFi guy stated in a video, if you only listen in the background, don't bother upgrading (paraphrasing here). So at what point, given listening habits do the diminishing returns really kick in and/or are there products/synergy that can bring the maximum experience for those listeners in a smaller to moderate environment who listen like I do? Right now, here are speaker choices I have in mind (the goal is to go smaller, but): Dali Menuet SE - a much smaller package, less bass but may fit my listening needs with a small sub. Tell me this won't become a classic. Musician Knight 1 - new to the market, just reviewed, seems they made it right. Resale would be the lowest on these until they prove themselves over time. Philharmonic BMR - if one is going to lust over a speaker. While its' going in the other direction, it's the closest to a floorstander sound when I don't want a floorstander. It may however be too overpowering in my room or may not perform as well as it could given my listening preferences. Your own speaker...which I am awaiting to be revealed. Thought about the KLH Model 3 but it is behind all the above in the running. Or...could just keep the Focals. BTW, I also tried a Monitor Audio Silver 100 6g, liked the bottom to mid bass, low mids better (or maybe just a different experience) but the upper mids and highs were tiring and lost that delicate airiness, even though sibilance was less sharp. It seemed all the detail was thrown at you all at once at similar volume, little variation in dynamic swings. If I do change the speakers, I would first try them on the Keces E40. I am not adverse to buying another amp but am targeting under 30 lbs. I want smaller/lighter. I am using a Topping d70s dac which I like but would also consider an upgrade, either chip or R2R, but for a Topping, I don't feel the stage is totally flat and it isn't too clinical. Still a good buget dac. So, upgrade/change speakers first. Then consider choices in amps. I may keep or sell the hegel but I dont want behemoth sized/weighted products as a replacement. I think addressing these issues not only help me but perhaps alot of other people who are trying to put together a similarly purposed package. Also, I listen alot to classical piano, male performers...folk, acoustic, etc... Some metal Sabaton and classic rock. But piano and voice have to have a natural tonality with space, body and detail. Asking alot, but I know by now what I like. Thanks.

[@gregfoote3790]

@@nc3419 x

[@billbones1000]

Coax out could be useful to feed a DAW? I want WARM AND SMOOTH in a DAC.

[@liepol]

Great review! How is this one compared to denafrips ares ii?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Hmm...good question, I need to get an Ares2 again to compare side by side to be sure.

[@Bass_therapy_]

Thanks, i wanted to upgrade my schiit modi 3, I found a replacement.

[@djhmax09]

what do I look for in a dac? if it synergizes well with my system. that's really it and all that matters imo. with dacs I think it's mainly about the presentation rather than any tonal changes. it could be one reason why some people can't seem to grasp the differences within dacs. the differences are something that is learned through time not back and forth switching. that's what I think at least.

[@stoicar]

First dac xduoo ta-10 -> teac 505-> topping d90 -> Audiobyte black dragon. Chage to search the best sound for my speakers. Pbn b741

[@decoryder]

Huh, didn't think it would turn out that way but at least going by the demo the Soncoz sounded much livelier, while the Exasound in comparison sounded flat. Interesting DAC, thanks for the review as always.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Indeed!

[@mounirehab]

The coaxial out is to connect my computer with another good, but old, DAC that hasn't a USB input .. as if I have an Accuphase DC-91 ...

[@heyguyslolGAMING]

I buy expensive gear just to show off to my friends and then I regurgitate what YT reviewers say so it makes me sound like I know what I'm talking about even tho I have no clue, hell I don't even listen to music. Anyways, this makes my friends look up to me as if I'm smart when in reality I don't know anything, lol. I should probably find a cheaper hobby.

[@welshrarebit9238]

Thomas ,seems like you have a liking to Silverline Audio Have you heard the Preludes?,what’s your opinion….

[@ThomasAndStereo]

No, I wish to hear more their product line.

[@The-Spotlight-Kid]

I could only think the same as at least 1 commenter says below, the coax digi-out would be useful to do a recording into a digital input recorder of any type. Having said that, i've always recorded purely analog & digital also, through the most direct route possible, by not going through an extra component needlessly when it can be avoided. I'm not saying it would be a better recording by doing that in the digital domain but old analog-recording habbits die hard, plus it couldn't be any worse a digital recording by avoiding routing the digital signal via an extra component, so i'd never ever use that digi- output, if only for peace of mind

[@pongyang8705]

I just placed an order for the SMSL VMV D1se. I feel like I’ve rewatched your dac reviews more than any other of your product reviews. Wait, that’s probably a lie, I rewatch a lot of your videos. Haha. Kind of embarrassing to admit. Gotta love story time with Thomas.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

nice, the SMSL D1Se is definitely a very good DAC and glad you are enjoying a lot of my videos.

[@wenliu1998]

@@ThomasAndStereo Did you do a video on the SMSL D1se? I’m definitely curious on the sonic characteristic differences between the SMSL and Soncoz. Thanks!

[@FrouzakisGeorge]

Coax Out! I have the meridian 5200 active speakers and they only accept coaxial feed. That would be perfect way to drive them as a second pair of speakers.

[@smallm7943]

Should I get the SGA1 as preamp?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Not as a preamp, maybe as a headphone amp.

[@Dpak1980]

Every moment, some person,somewhere in China is designing a new DAC.

[@JohnDoe-np3zk]

Locked in a room with dwindling Snickers bars the rush is on.

[@LuxAudio389]

@@JohnDoe-np3zk nahh RedBull and Ramen until it pays off. Lol 🍜

[@tomchan2559]

I have tried some MIC few hundred dollars dac but always went back to my Hegel internal dac. Many MIC dacs are analytical at the higher end but didn't like them.

[@krisp3128]

Nice review/story, thanks! I assume you could use it as a digital preamp, should you have a better sounding dac with not enough inputs... you never know....

[@hudo]

Now I NEED to know what are those amps that works well with Concept 500 :) !!!

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah! It will be an interesting video.

[@jeremiahchamberlin4499]

In answer to your question, ‘Why did you buy the DAC you own?’ I bought mine from a manufacturer having a fantastic sale: Last year’s model in this year’s case. I’m now installing next year’s upgrade, so I wound up with the whole package in two steps.

[@johndavies6253]

I really want to hear your review of the headphone amp, please review it Thomas. I bought my DAC because it had an integrated headphone amp. If I upgrade then I need a DAC and a headphone amp as my hifi is exclusively via headphones as my listening room it tiny.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

I dont' have any headphone!

[@BastianUllr]

So, why my DAC? After listening to various DACs and topologies, not several, bur various, I found that I would prefer over other things. I chose the iFi Neo iDSD. Firstly, I really like the way the records sound. However, my analog rig is NOT warm. MC cart with ML stylus and boron cantilever on a carbon fiber tonearm having in mind compliance, distortion, and frequency response linearity to keep my system as accurate as possible, not as expensive as possible though- That's how I like it I guess. I am also a Solid state amp guy, low distortion, extremely linear too, low output impedance, etc. End result is that my Analog rig sounds rather, digital. Meaning, it possesses an incredibly quiet background, agile and deep bass, rather lean and non amplified size of voices, crisp high mid frequency response, smooth top end without much sparkle. My speakers are very linear, very well braced, very low resonance, low distortion and very articulate and smooth. To me, my sound is natural, but natural unimpressive, like water. What I liked about records so much is that, a good record, sounds so you get lost in the whole, since the speakers disappear and there is nothing that really calls for your attention. One simply enjoys the musical rendition and the landscape. I wanted that from my DAC. Problems I found with uber detailed DACs? The detail is distracting. There is so many details from the cymbals or strings of the guitars that I am not sure I am listening to an instrument or just its strings texture, the microphone, do I have bat ears today or what. My wife said mostly about them: "I find it as if I were looking at a picture where saturation is tilted to 11 in everything." Yes, my wife comments on gear changes because she likes music (art) a lot and she does not want me to ruin the experience again. Once I made a change that turned out detrimental for the joy, lets leave it at that. Now, for R2R the sound can get too soft. It gets smooth and pleasant, voices have a charm to them, but at the same time, there is a loss in texture and in little subtleties that require a bit more crunch, more lean delicacy, so to speak. I find that R2R can get a bit... unresolving. Or at least below 2.5k+ - Maybe an R2R of tens of thousands do have as much detail as a sub 2k Phono/Cart combo. But then, that sounds rather not so cost efficient. The difference in price to the analog rig is a lot of records. I would expect a more cost efficient scenario with current Digital performance, so I am not interested in stretching further if it cannot compete with a modest analog set up. Now, I wanted something that gave me the detail, naturality, micro dynamics, bite, and macro dynamics of my analog rig. Hard task. I settled for this, one DAC that allowed me to have the same experience of not getting distracted for too much detail or speed, yet not finding it is so soft that I feel like I am downgrading the Analog rig to a lower cartridge. I wanted that it would simply give me the texture and little nuances that makes a performance so engaging. Those accents of the instrument, in the voice, that gives character and emotionality. The tone, the bite/attack, the soundstage even, those I could sacrifice a bit. At some point I decided to get the iFi neo iDSD because I also wanted to add a headphone amp to the rig, and because it had multibit chips. I prefer a natural tone, in spite of the less resolving nature, of the R2R DACs. Why? Because the rest of the rig is so resolving the uber detailed DACs sound like I am listening to the microphone far too much, instead of a voice. I have the Schiit Bifrost 2 too, so I figured it would be a similar kind, but with headphone amp in one box. That's not too bad, so I purchased one. Well, actually, it's better for me. The iFi neo iDSD has more microdynamics, is more resolving, and less thick than the bifrost 2. It has no glare, no distracting fake extension, not hyper agile bass as the various S/D I had. Funny part is that first time I listened to it and it was incredibly underwhelming. There was no romance, not really euphonic, no fireworks, nothing to pin it for, except I was listening to the music, just like when I play records. And Yep, it sounds extremely similar than my rather lean sounding record player (I say lean more for the clean mid bass, rather than lack of bass depth and kick. Sub is all integrated and system is capable of 20/20000 Hz, full range). I can play either/or now, and in both media I am happy listening to the performance. So, I was taken away by it. The wife? Also, she cannot say what she liked about it, so she did not say anything about it. She did not mind it, and I guess the best compliment she could give is that she would lie quiet with me while playing CDs too now, not only records. We get lost in the intricacies of music, it's hypnotic. So, that's why I stopped looking at DACs once I hit this sub 1K DAC. To me, marvelous job from iFi and I cannot care less for DACs anymore, unless I upgrade my analog rig that is, and I doubt I ever would. With the Tube preamp and speakers out 4ft+ into the room, 3D? check. Amazing imaging and stereo localization? check. Good tone? Check. Smooth but not loosing detail? Check. Soundstage depth and stretches to the sides if required? Check. I remember I saw your review about the Neo iDSD and I could not agree any more with your findings and those of your friends. It is simply enjoyable as a whole, period. So, at the end I have 2 analog rigs. The Bifrost 2 is like the one I have with the Nagaoka MP-110, or so. Great for poor masters of extreme R&R and casual fun/roughed up copies. The iFi is like the Audio Technica AT33PGT/II, a more resolving and natural experience for your top and clean records. I love the MP-110 too, brilliant Cart for the Money. Analog things wear down and what not, so worth having two decks. I cannot justify having 2 dacs on 1 system, so all and all, the iFi does it all simply great. I just try to chose the master I like the most, or whatever I want to listen based on disponibility, but it is never anymore about what sounds impressive and will steal my heart anymore. Either way, it goes.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Wow, what a detail 'review' and thanks for sharing this. Hopefully this will help some people in their decision making.

[@jayem1826]

In the 90's Audio Alchemy was the only affordable DAC. THETA and WADIA were just too much. 2020. Got a Peachtree DAC IT X from Canuck Mart. It started to malfunction (probably why the seller got rid of it). It had more gain then the AA DAC. Topping e30 was highly recommend and only cost $100. Needed a headphone amp so went with the TONE 2 PRO by Khadas. Still not satisfied. Been looking at this SONCOZ for 2 years. Maybe, just maybe

[@Temmple]

@Thomas What do you like better between the Aune X8 and the Soncoz SGD1?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Soncoz

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Great Job Thomas / I can't agree more with Thomas about Synergy !! But !!! I want to give Hi-Fi Go a big shout out I absouletly love The Company its a long story but Wow the customer service is outstanding maybe one day i will explain thanks Thomas and Hi-Fi-Go , If Hifigo has gear i want to buy their 1st on my list to buy from !!!! 😆 also the 'budget' Soncoz laq1dx sounds amazing paired to my warm/smooth VINTAGE gear that didn't have the greatest instrument seperation/microdetails in my soundtage paired with other budget dacs but the Soncoz paired to my Vintage gear brought out resoulution that shocked me for pricepoint ( Sansui g8000/Marantz 2270)

[@TheDanEdwards]

A DAC having a digital out allows you to easily do A/B comparisons with another DAC. You can run two DACs operating simultaneously (assuming the digital output on the SGD1 does not disable the internal DAC), feed them both to a pre-amp, then switch between the two in the middle of a song. The designer, though, was probably not thinking of A/B testing, but instead inserting this DAC into a multi-room digital system. This allows you to feed digital out to another DAC (connected to another amp/speaker) in another room, but allow you to control on/off from the SGD1.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Passthrew is pretty cool to use I agree

[@DBravo29er]

Pass through is actually a misnomer. There will be a jitter penalty.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

@@DBravo29er Your correct/any componetes in the signal path adds noise

[@DBravo29er]

@@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120 Yep. Not only Jitter, either. There can be ground potential mismatches, EMI/RFI carried along the cable between them, other residual electrical noise from the various power supply circuits in each unit, etc. BUT, SPDI/F is still a handy feature. 👍

[@tonycheung1559]

USB to coaxial my old ifi ione has it

[@jalee1910]

The sound of Soncoz SGD1 hv a slightly mid forward sounding from what i heard from youtube.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yup exactly!

[@freelancer1499]

@@ThomasAndStereo Hi Thomas. Is it a good idea to pair the Soncoz DAC with a amp with reccessed mid? Does good pairing work this way? Thanks!

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

🤗👍😎ANOTHER GREAT STORIES video ❤️😍😍😍

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thank you 🤗

[@budgetaudiophilelife-long5461]

THOMAS…FOOD ANALOGIES….well prepared are very TASTY 😋😁😍😍😍

[@bizyz]

then there is the solution 760 dac that goes for 70 grand but hook it up to even the bottom of the line nad cd player it will sound pretty good.

[@bizyz]

to put it another way,pairing the 70 grand solution dac with the 399 .00 nad c538 cd player would be like the most nerdish of audiophiles being injected with 70 thousand milligrams of viagra that would transform him into a porn star of magico speaker status. 'nuff said.

[@ferryvandijk3008]

I bought the gustard x26 pro. Why? Different design, rave reviews (so you youtubers do have some value). Not disappointed.

[@Labor_Jones]

Sorry I was listening to the Audiophile God 'Steve the Audiophilic' when I saw your PROMO Pop-Up. ..... It's nice to have 2nd opinions! ;) But don't feel you are in last place!

[@willmac5642]

The guy who designs and makes it seems to know how to get the best from that specific dac chip. Cd it be better than that RME dac everyone raves about?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

It all depends on what better means but in some systems, it might have better synergy.

[@willmac5642]

@@ThomasAndStereo there's a budget Soncoz too.. looks cute, like an Apple product

[@smallm7943]

Finally dude!

[@quilnty]

Thomas, buy ayon stratos dac. It’ll change your world

[@landosazo7506]

the Soncoz delineates the vocals and instruments better, the instruments are behind the vocals while Exasound sounds flatter in presentation....hmmmm

[@Hecto_Pascal]

I really would like to blind test you with some different components to see, if you can manage to correctly assign them. I really doubt, that there are any differences between DACs nowadays.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Who cares if I can ace blind test with DACs, what you should care is if you can tell a difference. To know if you can tell a difference or not, you would need to go listen. Heck, you might have 10x better hearing than me.

[@Hecto_Pascal]

@@ThomasAndStereo I myself listened to different DACs, but I couldn't tell a difference. The only differences I was able to hear in my "audiophile carreer", came from different speakers and amps (although the biggest impact with amps was achieved with integrated measuring systems like audyssed or dirac - btw did you test dirac already? would like to see your rating there). The thing is: audio ist very cost intesive. I just wonder why you would "bother" with components, that you could simply exclude from your shopping list, if a blind test would convince you. You would gain a fair amount of money that you could spent for other quipment, that might make a bigger impact ;)

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

Great video. It is amazing how similar these two are. On KZbin I struggle to hear a difference or in fact choose which one I would want to use. That means that for someone starting out, at $500 what more do you need for good enough? By comparison, I added a single capacitor to the power supply of my DAC and on KZbin saw a much bigger change in sound played back than is exhibited by these two DACs. Now, does that mean that there is no place for a $30k DAC? If you can afford it then no question. Seems to me there are now 3 tiers. In the sub $2k market, get this DAC. Then maybe $10k. After that $30k. Similar with vinyl. There are lots of really good turntables sub $1k all in but for the best sound plan on spending $5k just for the cartridge.

[@metatron007]

OK, i shall put it anyway way, your going towards the KT66🔵⬛⬜🔶🌥

[@ThomasAndStereo]

😀😆😆😆

[@vric]

DAC are getting so good that it's now a matter of taste more than being "better than". a $250 DAC can get you 95% of what a $3000 one will do.. unless you want R2R which is different, not "better".

[@carlosoliveira-rc2xt]

Yeah and my $300,000 speakers are just different not better than KEF LS 50. For that matter the Meta is just different not better than the regular version. ( Heavy sarcasm ) Better is better period but due to imperfections or weaknesses in the rest of the system, one may prefer not to use the better component because a certain synergy exists with the inferior component. People forget DACs are half analogue.

[@dougg1075]

Very cool

[@carminedesanto6746]

Good morning ☕️🥓 The methodology of turning ones and zeros into a musical waveform are pretty well standardized ..it’s now up to the output stage ..Hell, some DAC’s use tubes on their output stage….so it all comes down to as you’ve said synergy ( along with features and esthetics) . Now , I’ll gladly put my $200 DAC up against DAC’s into the $1000 range as I find it’s very well tuned on the output ( and I run it on my headphone stack) into a THX 789 headphone amp ..super clean . It’s in the end personal taste and wallet punishment . Great video 🔥

[@Uuur10]

A $100 DAC, even the $10 Apple dongle, will beat a badly engineered $3k DAC as sure as the sun rises every day...

[@nc3419]

When I was looking at dacs, I started with less expensive options in a comparison to my Marantz CD6006 as well as the one implemented in my Hegel h160. Among the budget dacs I choose the Lavaudio DS600 older version. It brought sufficient detail, clarity and dynamics and while it competed with the one in the DC6006, it wasn't as good as the one in the Hegel. Later upgraded to a Topping D70s which is closer to he Hegel with slight differences. The Hegel is a bit more clinical/analytical and the D70s has a bit more low end bloom but remains tight. Both seem to be equal though. At the time the D70s was considered among both The Musician Ares II and the Schiit Bifrost. When it went on sale, purchasing it thru Apos, it became an easier choice as it also gave more flexibility as well as a much lower price. It was a good, both budget and compromise choice I currently use with a Keces E40. Together I get essentially a similar performance of the Hegel for the SPLs I typically listen at on my current speakers Focal 807W and do well with Triangle Plaisir Zetas. I also researched a bit of the written as well as YT reviews. Its' not high end equipment but it gives me alot of what more hi end products can give versus average, budget equipment. I think it was a good combination budget to performance although the Keces is now $150 more and the D70s discontinued. If I had to replace the d70s for another budget unit, my first consideration might be the SMSL M500 MKII which seems to offer a blend of both the analytical capabilities of chip dacs and R2R richness and stage depth, or so it is said to have. If only they fixed their optical connectivity issues. A previous SMSL unit had the optical insecurely inserted. With Topping, there always seems to be a secure click and it stays in.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Thanks for sharing.

[@michaelmityok1001]

Mimas review coming?

[@latheofheaven]

Interesting... Yes, on multiple listenings I could tell that this DAC came across with a bit more forward presence, kind of like when you did the comparison with the Doge 10. Going to this DAC was sort of like going to the Doge 10 😊 The SMSL DO200 is my very first DAC ever, so I have not been able to compare it to anything else (yet) But $475 and a very positive review from Tharbamar sold me (He liked it better than the SMSL 400, which you had reviewed and liked) It seems to pair with my tall multi-driver open baffle line arrays pretty well. It's just so *GREAT* now to be able to play my 7000+ FLAC albums and SACD's over my main system! 😁

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Yeah, your speakers look amazing. I should share it one day in one of my videos.

[@dominicvalois]

@@ThomasAndStereo I'd love to see those speakers!

[@latheofheaven]

@@ThomasAndStereo Well, coming from you *THE* Asian Godfather of Audio that means a lot! 😊

[@ENGLISHISBEST]

This is crazy money. Is it really justified ?

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

A $500 dac will always beat a $3k dac if you put it in a faster vehicle. We are talking about a race right?

[@ThomasAndStereo]

No a fight to the death in the ring.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

@@ThomasAndStereo Oh ok, well that's a different story

[@AdrianIII]

Must be amazing to be constantly skipping among the Kilobuck$!

[@allansh828]

if you pair it with $2500 cables

[@mikemajors2385]

My experience with the Dac was not that good. verry bloated sloppy Bass and then the falsely advertised LDAC. after I noticed it did not work I went on the forums and found out that it never did work. I had Amazon take LDAC out of the sellers description since it was pure BS. Not a SONCOZ fan after that.

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Ah, its too bad it did not work for you but thanks for sharing.

[@greencraig8570]

I like the nicknames. It's like a nerdy Asian version of "Reservoir Dogs". It's taken a while, (a long while) but Thomas has grown on me and I love his folksy reviews now.

[@eddiebaby22]

2nd dacs better

[@seniorstube6683]

You people are so funny….spending more time screwing around with DACs, test equipment, etc., but with ears that are not 100%, plus the time you all spend listening and enjoying your music is minuscule! So sad. I got your name: HI-FI SnobGeeks

[@ThomasAndStereo]

Sometimes it is not the destination but the journey that is the fun. Afterall, we get into a hobby to have fun and if we do, that is all that matters.

[@seniorstube6683]

@@ThomasAndStereo My fault, sorry. I thought you got in to listen to beautiful music. I didn’t know the treat was the test equipment!!! Jejejeje

[@ThomasAndStereo]

@@seniorstube6683 As I always tell people, people who are just in it for the music are like my wife, she would listen to music with TV speakers or cell phone speakers. For people like us audiophiles, we need to be honest that although we are all in it for the music, it is beyond that. If it is not, just listen to beautiful music on cell phone speakers. There are people who live to eat and there are those who eat to live. People who say they are only it for the music, or they are music lovers first, for me are just flowery words, their action speaks louder than words.

[@seniorstube6683]

@@ThomasAndStereo Again, that is bullshit! I have an audiophile equipment, I’m just not a snob geek like you all! But again, stupidity is rampant in this world, just look at you all! Jejejeje

[@rumporridge1]

@@seniorstube6683 your on the wrong channel my friend.