DAC Dilemma, What DAC I Would Choose?

[@Tharbamar]

↘Associated Component List In Video Description ↙ ☝Be careful of scammers in the comments or social media platforms who pretend to be me and trying to scam. 👋I'm not hosting giveaways or asking you to contact me. 👍A real comments/replies from me has a GRAYED OUT profile name just like this comment. 🫵 Also, due to spam posts, LINKS are No Longer Allowed in comment section. Thanks for watching! 🙏

[@Scottyman99]

I just ordered the Geshelli J3 and a Sparkos 2590. I'm hoping it competes well with DAC's under $1500. The Denafrips Ares 15th was going to be my #1 pick, but decided not to blow my budget. Thinking of getting the Eversolo APM-06 with the savings.

[@VirusForPrez]

Needed something compact for my desk top with great sound ,opted for the Khadas tone 2 pro with ESS dac chip.Five years now,no regrets just great sound .

[@BillyKueekSG]

Another great video! I am a headphone user, still taking my time at possibly a pair of bookshelves or stand-mount. I like varieties so I am using the Chord M-Scaler & Hugo TT2 for FPGA, Gustard R26 for R2R, iFi Gryphon and Zen DAC V2 for BB-chipped sounds, XDuoo XA-10 for AKM Sound. Totally didn’t like the Topping D90SE with ESS chips when I bought it shortly after its release. I am looking at the Laiv Har,only next as a possible replacement for the R26 Just came across many small-timer makers in China with 4 x ESS9039 or AK4499EX and saw one with 6 x ESS9039 chips just yesterday.

[@Tharbamar]

Thanks for sharing!

[@brunobracke4612]

I have the Atoll st300 signature. Using burr-brown chips. Very analog sounding.

[@carminedesanto6746]

GM from Toronto ☕️ I went with the new Denafrips Ares 12-1. DAC. Rest of system . Denafrips DAC Bryston BHA-1 Headphone Amp. LCDX (21) Take care 👍

[@kenmcglown6642]

You're a very wise man!!!

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

I prefer the sound of the Rohm chips, imo the SMSL D300 can't be beat for value, fantastic sounding DAC

[@yellow_noise3]

I wouldnt really bother too much about what chip is in the dac. Akm, ess, bb, philips etc play some role but not the most significant. Most important in dac is quality of OUTPUT BUFFER AND POWER SUPPLY!!! Cheap opamps can destroy even best dac chip....

[@tubefreeeasy]

I’m very happy with the sound my xDuoo TA22 w/Shuguang Black Treasure tubes are getting.

[@tubefreeeasy]

I’d spend on pure silver cables to help me achieve holographic sound.

[@PanAmStyle]

@@tubefreeeasyTry some Darwin cables. I have the Enlightenment single ended cables, but even the less expensive cables in their range are excellent.

[@richardleong3427]

Thank you very much for taking time to explain so detail about the difference kind of DAC.

[@zombielandiii2711]

Hello Mr Tharbamar hope youre doing great. As im looking for my first DAC, this is a great video. I really like your accent and pronunciation. ❤

[@redrockdejan2507]

I tried the Pegasus DAC with the intention of buying it. I listened to it at home two days ago. My opinion is that it is rubbish. Nothing to do with good sound, tiring for long listening. I bought a used Exogal DAC. Another dimension!

[@Tharbamar]

As always sound is subjective more to do with paring components and personal preference but there is nothing is rubbish in right paring.

[@aussie8114]

Holo Audio Cyan 2 is one I would try.

[@Mattiu75]

I'm also torn between the Cyan 2 and Pegasus 2 but not sure which one is preferable.

[@paulvigor829]

I would also like to know this.

[@clarice1001nights]

This would interest me too. I have a Gustard Analytic AH90 in use with Moon gear.

[@Rob-Davidson]

It would be nice to see you try a "Geshelli Labs J3" with three Sparkos Labs 2590 Pro Op Amps. I feel that you might enjoy it.

[@yellow_noise3]

I suggest try Staccatto discrette opamps instead of Sparkos. You will be amazed....

[@beslemeto]

@@yellow_noise3 All these discrete opamps sound but sharp...

[@CarlVanDoren61]

​@@beslemeto 60" true ribbon tweeter Path Audio 1.2R 10w 😊

[@beslemeto]

@@CarlVanDoren61 ?

[@BoRerunn]

I just got a Geshelli J2 and it beat out Eversolo dmt6 and Aune s9c . Those don't got the wide sound stage is superb

[@JTB--]

That's Murphy's Law in the audio hobby as Geshelli just recently announced the J3 Pro DAC. J2 IS a Great DAC

[@BoRerunn]

@@JTB-- J2 sounds so good, I don't know if I should get the Dazi model

[@JTB--]

@@BoRerunn Yeah... that's the sickness of this hobby. What you have is totally Good enough... but there's always the temptation to try the next newest thing. I think one of the most impressive things with the Geshelli stuff is how they can cram all that goodness into that small form factor of their DACS and Amps. Even if I wanted the Geshelli Dayzee DAC and Zoofa Amp at some point... I just don't have the room for them.

[@yellow_noise3]

I suggest testing new Holo Audio Cyan2. Is us about 1.2k$ and is dac killer. It is almost same good as their flagship - Holo Audio MAY Dac, which is ca 4k

[@Mattiu75]

Better than the Pegasus 2 in your opinion?

[@ogunrotimifemi6388]

Is it better than Chord Qutest DAC?

[@pablito86]

Why there is not Gustard A26 or X26pro?

[@vvmaster2010]

Because they are chinese :D

[@net_news]

What's the most holographic DAC you've ever tested? No matter the price and/or other features.

[@tedkay5272]

Denafrips Enyo 15th (Ares ii)

[@Error2username]

Sonys vid dac😂🎉

[@Tharbamar]

Esoteric Grandioso D1X for me.

[@Tharbamar]

@Error2username I don't know what you're referring to but in case if you’re talking about Sony Z-1ES, Sony Z1ES built-in DAC with separate power supply for digital and analog stage is quieter, more refine in sound than any $1K DAC. There is nothing like it because everything is output through DSD remastering engine. Even Streaming Spotify.

[@net_news]

@@Tharbamar thanks my friend!!! i'm gonna have to save a lot of money to get one hahah

[@raynerskk]

hi tharbamar, have you had the chance to try gesheli JS2 dec? was wondering what are your thoughts on it.

[@whome8192]

I have one. The dac built into my Bluesound node streamer, latest version, sounds better than the J2 with the AKM 4493 chip. Maybe the AKM 4499 version sounds better. The J2 with 4493 has less bass and less detail and clarity than the Bluesound node built in dac. Both have more clarity and detail than the burr-brown dac in my Rotel preamp, but the Rotel has better bass than any of them. All that said I have a new Geshelli Labs DAYZEE dac on order. I want the multiple live outputs that other dacs do not have, allowing me to have multiple xlr and rca outputs driving multiple amplifiers so I can switch between systems but not change my dac. Plus going to have 2 dac chips which is 4 dacs per channel using the AKM 4499EX. I am also planning on upgrading the Geshelli power supply, as their $1200 to $1500 dac uses wall wart supply.

[@Tharbamar]

I might be trying one in the future, thanks

[@PanAmStyle]

There are interesting choices between the $1000 and $8/9K price points. I am seriously considering the Audio-GD R7-HE Mark III, to purchase next year. Herb gave the Mark II a VERY enthusiastic review last year and I have spoken with Walter at Underwood as I had various questions about support, service, etc. I was very much reassured and the ONLY drawback I see is that the FPGA updates require a Windows computer as the source.

[@mehmetcamat4458]

So would you prefer musician Pegasus 2 over gustard r26 ? Are they close or is there a good amount of difference?

[@keithwhite2916]

I love topping e70 velvet

[@Tharbamar]

It’s a nice DAC for sure 👍

[@mrg1911]

I would install the Accuphase DAC as well as their Phono card to complete your outstanding E4000.

[@LexusAllTerrain1]

Since I trust you, I am going to purchase either FOCAL 826 or Revel Concerta2 f36. I prefer Revel because I can get them in gloss white. Your thoughts...both about same price.

[@connorduke4619]

Revel is a home theatre brand. For hifi only I would go the Focal.

[@Tharbamar]

Revel is better choice for me, generally entry level Focal speakers sound thin for my taste.

[@upitshak]

​@@Tharbamar hi, i just posted a question about sound signature matching. im waiting for revel m106 speakers to arrive. Can you advise which kind of sound signature match them. My amp is smsl a300. and i know they are warm smooth sounding speakers. Thanks

[@stoneager90]

@LexusAllTerrain1 heads up. I own a pair of the 806's and got a chance to spend some time with the Vestia and Theva The Chora sound more balanced and tonally accurate than the Theva which have really glaring pushed trebble. Vestia are a bit better tonally than the Chora but really improve the sense of space and dynamics. They all benefit from a sub and don't really dig that deep for bass or have great bass texture on their own.

[@jemsmay2167]

I cant buy something that is named “SU-X”….but I do have a $67 (Black Friday) SU-1 that is just amazing.

[@JTB--]

Are you going to get a chance to review the LAiV Harmony DAC? I'm curious if the hype is real for it. Excellent video!

[@Tharbamar]

They haven't reach out to me yet, thanks

[@Alberto-gl7mu]

You preferred d400ex over su10. Is d90III similar to d400EX? Thanks for sharing!

[@Tharbamar]

D90 III is more transparent it need careful paring. Thanks

[@keith6872]

Warm speakers and anilitacle dac is a good combo.

[@elmerbais]

Im still confused what to get im debating with denafrips ares 12, pontus ii, smsl d400ex. But my eversolo dmp a8 has AKM already.

[@tedkay5272]

I like the Denafrips Enyo 15th

[@dzemoski45]

Dacs make up 5% of the total sound, I wouldn’t go crazy about it. 90% is the amp I would concentrate more on getting an excellent amp then a dac.

[@yellow_noise3]

Check Holo Audio Cyan2 killer dac

[@tedkay5272]

@@dzemoski45 DACs don't "make up" the sound. They translate the digital signal to analog.

[@elmerbais]

@@dzemoski45what Amp would you suggest around 1-3K

[@W.M-j8h]

Audial Dac S5 use the TDA 1541A

[@radicalrealmrecordings42]

Any chance of getting the Holo Audio Cyan 2 in for review?

[@richarddegannes2928]

Hi Tharbamar, Is the DAC inside Eversolo DMP-A8 good and how do you compare it against Accuphase D60 DAC. Either to be used with Accuphase E-4000. Thanks in advance.

[@Tharbamar]

I like simplicity of using DAC-60 but DMP-A8 does have PEQ to give you more options for fine tuning. With back to back listening it’s only matter of personal taste, mostly I use DAC-60 for me, thank you.

[@richarddegannes2928]

@@Tharbamar Thanks for reaching out. Much appreciated.

[@MrPolyestrine]

Which is the best Streamer to go with the Musician Pegasus II..thanks

[@Tharbamar]

I would suggest you to try WiiM Pro first, thanks

[@MrPolyestrine]

@@Tharbamar Thank you. I am using the built-in streamer and DAC on my ARcam AVR 10 which I think is amazing. Do you think I will get better quality using the WiiM Pro + Pegasus II.

[@Tharbamar]

@@MrPolyestrine Yes and WiiM Pro will give you better user experience with constant updates.

[@MrPolyestrine]

@@Tharbamar Thank you for your detailed answers. I will leave you with one experience I was puzzled with. I have a ARcam AVR10 to Arcam PA240 amplifier with Martin Logan ESL11 (Impression). I got bold to buy PS Audio Stellar Gold DAC ($4K) and Airlens streamer ($2K). I used the setup for a WEEK where I compared the sound directly from AVR10 (streamer and DAC built-in) to my AirLens + STellar Gold DAC connected to my AVR10 and could not tell the difference. Which is why I wonder can I improve my sound quality with a Streamer+DAC. Thank you

[@francisdelacruz6439]

R2R NOS DACs, even pre owned.

[@ColocasiaCorm]

I want d90 iii. Is there any reason it’s better than sux

[@hrvojekant9415]

SMSL SU-1 for 80$ or R2R DAC for 160$ ? Is there significant sound diference? What woud be Yours choice? Thank you kindly in advance Regards

[@Tharbamar]

SU-1 for me, thanks

[@shamnoor07]

Im using SMSL SH9 & SU9..

[@upitshak]

Hi, can you address this topic to the sound signature of the speakers please?

[@Tharbamar]

Sure will do, thanks

[@nw6066]

What about hifiman dac+hp amp units like ef400/500/600/serenade? Quite affordable price for r2r dacs. How you compare em to AKM units of similar price? (Dont like sharpness of ess)

[@JohnD.-pl7mh]

Are you saying Topping D90 3 is better sounding than Denafrips Ares 2?

[@Tharbamar]

If I remember it right all is based on price and performance.

[@JohnD.-pl7mh]

@@Tharbamar I can get Ares2 used for $500. Regardless of price, in which order of preference would you place Ares II, single chip AK 4499 EQ dac and dual chips AK 4499EXEQ dacs with respect to musicality and reality?

[@l00d3r]

Is it worth upgrading from the SMSL Do200 to the Topping D90 III? Thank you.

[@Tharbamar]

Yes if you want to squeeze out last a few percent of digital music.

[@l00d3r]

@@Tharbamar Thank you

[@Nearest_Neighbor]

I lean towards the Holoaudio Cyan 2.

[@jpnz]

I want a dac that give me the most laidback presentation (like sitting in the backrow of a concert), any recommendations? Thanks!

[@garethbrownlee5457]

Hi Tharbamar, will you be reviewing the Wiim Ultra?

[@oyajixiami3700]

Nice to see su-9 ultra in your list,and what its sound charateristic different from su-1?I'm quite enjoy su-1 now,do you think I should upgrade to su-9 ultra which has top end Velvet Sound chip inside?

[@soulfunkjazz]

Will you provide a sound sample comparison with non-chinese DACs to prove your claims?

[@Tharbamar]

I do not have to prove anything, my word of advise is take it or leave it.

[@bryanwilliams3665]

You can't hear a reviewer's dac through other transducers (A reviewer's microphone, and then through YOUR Stereo) If you listen on YT , you are listening to YOUR dac, not the review sample..

[@PioneerDoom7114]

Love my SMSL SU-9 Pro 👍

[@whome8192]

I thought you really liked the SMSL 400EX.

[@Golden2Talon]

What would fit for Audio-Technica ATH-AD1000X headphones?

[@Tharbamar]

Something like SMSL SU-X will be great.

[@Golden2Talon]

​@@Tharbamar could you also give any reasons why ?

[@Tharbamar]

@@Golden2Talon Transparent in sound with state of the art noise control is always easy choice.

[@Golden2Talon]

@@Tharbamar would it be worth it compared to a meridian explorer 2?

[@Tharbamar]

@@Golden2Talon as always sound is subjective but performance and resolution is not even in comparison, we’re talking about $5K DAC like performance with SU-X.

[@CarlVanDoren61]

W4S 10th edition DAC2V2SE Discrete class A output stages 60" true ribbon tweeter 😊 Tune w Path Audio 1.2R 10w

[@liamporter1137]

Great sharing.

[@Maxiinti]

Please test Accuphase dac 60 insett card 😊

[@madcrabber1113]

Which brands and types of dacs last the longest and are the easiest/cheapest to repair?

[@bryanwilliams3665]

No Dacs are more reliable or unreliable. Those days are gone..Theyre all basically trouble free(like TV sets)..Any brand irrespective of price could have a problem sample. Most Dacs aren't worth repairing at $100 hr labour cost..

[@teknolojigundemi]

Thank you.

[@beslemeto]

Sir it's time to review Laiv Audio's Harmony DAC!

[@destradis]

Vorrei prendere un dac (solo dac) da da collegare al pc come input e all'amplificatore home theatre per farlo suonare non vorrei spendere molto diciamo che la somma si aggira hai 200 euro grazie

[@Tharbamar]

SMSL SU-1 DAC Review, Wunderkind DAC! kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHKzeol9n8xrmcU

[@Evolved_ue7]

Aune sc9 pro ? I'm guessing you can only go by what you have tried ..

[@frankd.b.9233]

Try the LOXJIE A40 Audio Power Amplifier and Ear Amplifier All-in-One Machine, MA5332MS Chip NJW194, Vinyl Phonograph Input, EQ Mode, 5 Filters Available, Bass Output, Bluetooth 5.1, with Remote Control,what ....SMSL SU-X DAC = socks seee ya

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

This is currently in my main system, great little amp, the phono section is sub par but the thing is great bang for buck

[@Tharbamar]

it's ok nothing special, decent sound up to 85db range and it falls apart after that.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

@@Tharbamar It's the same as the SMSL AO300 which you gave a glowing review of.

[@Tharbamar]

@@crazyprayingmantis5596 Not exactly the same, I refused to review it because not enjoyable to listen at high levels. I also said same thing about high level listening is not that great on AO300.

[@crazyprayingmantis5596]

@@Tharbamar The A40 has a phono stage and maybe a few different features but they're essentially the same amp and I'm sure you know that. Are you now saying the A0300 is "nothing special"? I agree, they fall apart at high listening levels but most people won't want to listen at those levels anyway.

[@bhaskarsaikia5586]

Why wasn't the Toping E70 Velvet mentioned? You had praised it so much long ago.

[@saramartinelli5642]

hi , what a beautiful channel ,love it! may i ask you from where are you? China or Japan just because i like your english , cheers from Italy♥

[@Tharbamar]

Grown up is Japan, thank you.

[@ifeanyidede2106]

The SU-10 smokes the topping D90 III!

[@Tharbamar]

And SU-X is even better.

[@ifeanyidede2106]

@@Tharbamar Even though I haven't listened to the SU-X, I seriously doubt it's better than the SU-10. SU-10 has detailed and expansive sound, very wide 3D stereo imaging. The bass is fat and full but there is still a firm grip on bass definition. Most people will enjoy the ample bass but it deviates from neutrality. There is definitely an emphasis on the upper mids, female vocals are very expressive and out in your room. High frequencies are nice and airy without sharpness. The digital grit and plasticky vocals of the D70 are completely gone. The Su-10 is also much more dynamic and detailed than a Schiit Bifrost 2. I choose it over the Gustard A26.

[@Tharbamar]

@@ifeanyidede2106 FYI I did SU-10 world premiere review.

[@bryanwilliams3665]

​@@ifeanyidede2106One assumes you've compared D90 to SU10 through same signal path / room so your viewpoint is worthy. With respect though, you can't pass opinion on the SU-X ..You haven't heard the product.

[@karhaj120]

Loxjie d40 pro for me. Cheap but very good 😊

[@Tharbamar]

Thanks for sharing, Good Choice 👍

[@Pierre-Leloup]

Same for me, ultra cheap and excellent sound over the whole spectrum and fantastic soundstage on my active MG 1.7i.

[@HaakonOdinsson]

I’m thinking of getting the smsl su1 dac. Decent dac at a decent price.

[@briancampbell7712]

High End DAC= Aqua Formula DAC, smooth seperation and detail🎶...for more bang for buck... Holo Spring 3, Denifrips Pontus ll and Gustard A26

[@helden-spaswenkoff1807]

"BUY MORE. BUY MORE NOW. BUY. AND BE HAPPY." George Lucas, THX-1138 “…the more you obey the statements of dominant reality, the more you command as speaking subject within mental reality, for finally you only obey yourself... A new form of slavery has been invented, that of being a slave to oneself...” Gilles Deleuze

[@Luis-eh1cf]

hello Tharbamar, I need your advice, I am interested in buying speakers and I have seen the MUSICIAN Knight I, Quad s2 and B & W 706 2, which one do you stay with specifically in sound quality clarity transpared? I look forward to your help, thank you and greetings.

[@paulupton7698]

Don't care what dac you would buy.

[@ColocasiaCorm]

Aww. Be nice

[@paulupton7698]

@ColocasiaCorm That is being nice but honest also.

[@paulupton7698]

Still don't care, fella!

[@clan_biblioteke]

Hi, your opinion is crucial for me when I buy something, choosing between Musician Draco and Denafrips ares II? Which is better, I listen to jazz and I have Wharfedale evo 1 speakers. Thank you very much. I wish you good luck and good health

[@clan_biblioteke]

Eversolo Z8 sabre???Super video.Tharbamar best🎉