The Best HiFi DACs

[@stewartbeckett5642]

Excellent video almost Film like Production, I'm sure I will watch this again many times, & I've Subbed 😁😎⭐

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you very much , that’s definitely part of the idea - the best produced HiFi videos on KZbin. Lol 😂😀👌

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

@@xxgamerxxchrischris2325 I tend to only do that to people who donate or Patreon subscribe now. Not the money really more the principle. Please send me what you like and go from there.

[@Charles12509]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Hello, Do have any experience in A/V receivers? My question is, do the Dacs you are reviewing have a noticeable better sound then my Yamaha A/V receiver?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

But how could I know when I don’t know what your Yamaha is, not least I haven’t reviewed it 😐

[@Charles12509]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Ya I haven’t seen any Yamaha reviews on the your KZbin…..for a guy like me who can’t listen to a lot of different Dacs it’s hard to make the decision to buy higher end equipment and not knowing if I will really hear the difference in a good way…thanks for responding…

[@piotradamowicz1088]

I have not heard any of these DACs except the one I have - DCS Bartok (no headphone amp version). I just love it. I bought it after I read lots of reviews and some YT videos and that includes yours Simon. Many thanks for sharing your tests with us. Pls keep up good work.

[@sdgoes99]

I watched two of Simon’s videos and I feel a binge coming on. Great work Simon.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thankyou very much

[@kofitheakan9328]

So glad i saw your previous review of the RME, bought it 2 weeks ago and love it, made a huge difference on my Focal 936.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Glad it helped you and thanks for watching, what did you have before?

[@kofitheakan9328]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 just had bluenode 2i streamer connected to an arcam sa20 amp, so my first DAC (besides what's in my BN)

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I can understand why you heard such an improvement definitely. Enjoy.

[@Robinson8491]

Was the bluenode better than the arcam sa-20 DAC? And how much better is the RME? as I was thinking about getting a sa-20 but got a RME on the way instead!

[@RobWhittlestone]

I use a Topping D90 non-MQA version which has excellent detail resolution, exquisite highs and deep bass. Very pleased with the value for money. Nice channel - just discovered, subscribed. All the best, Rob in Switzerland

[@BelieveHiFi]

Nice one Simon, you're content and vocal delivery gets better and better all the time

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

thanks very much and I agree, I am trying new techniques. Did most of the graphics in this one in Adobe After Effects like the titles of each DAC. Also the blue wavey graphics. It's definitely giving my PC a workout.

[@BelieveHiFi]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 I know what you mean, since moving here to Malta I'm trying to edit everything on a laptop, while its a good one, its is struggling! Also I really respect the time you're dedicating to this! I'm working 55+ hours a week at the moment and its stifling my energy for sure. I look forward to the next one and maybe a collab video one day, doing some opinion discussions, or answering common questions on HiFi and Headfi.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

@@BelieveHiFi wow Malta must be a great place to live. I stayed in Mellieha Bay when I went there as a kid. Did you move from Australia? Mine's an old i7 desktop but it is still powerful, I'm looking at a new i10 soon. Yes that's a good idea re collaboration, have to think of what it will be.

[@BelieveHiFi]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Oh nice! Im living in Spinola Bay! Yes moved here from Australia to be with my partner in August! I used to build PCs for video editors and gamers when I was in University so let me know if I can help out with any parts or advice :) [e-mail]

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Ok I will do on that , thank you very much !!

[@apw2607]

I'm still enjoying my Cambridge Audio DacMagic 100. $200 bucks ! Its a steal.

[@panagiotisargyropoulos2217]

Watched this video twice already and will give it another go before bed time just for sweet dreams. Thank you Simon. Big Love.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you too Panagiotis. I’m looking at doing one on Roon this week, but I’m giving myself lots to live up too.

[@banditman142536]

After watching this. As a poor non audiofile. I have decided. You are the man. Without a doubt. Fantastic no nonsense Review. May you live long and prosper.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Awesome man, lovely comment. I hope I've helped you. 👍👌😁

[@pierremartinez297]

Great video. Loved your comment about "never heard of it; I only rely on measurements" on the the PS Audio DAC section. I have the RME DAC and indeed it is a great DAC. I was surprised not to see a Benchmark or Topping DAC on your list 🙂.

[@grahamstrahle4010]

I'm really liking this channel. Just discovered it. So informative, intelligent.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much!

[@brentnaylor8406]

Your quality of production and editing gets exponentially better with each new video. Well done, Simon- the time spent on achieving this is admirable. Also, have you much experience with the Schiit DACs? I've owned many DACs over the years, and for the money, the sheer musical pleasure that Schiit's Multibit architecture provides is hard to beat. I recently upgraded my Lyr 3 with Multibit card, to the Gungnir Multibit; which allows me to go balanced on my headphone setup. It's very hard to turn off the music and get up to do anything else- or go to bed at night! I think is a great benchmark to judge any hi-fi gear on. Cheers!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Wow, Thank you Brent! I’m trying to make it for everyone, non alien, new entrants, and not the usual bod in front of camera all the time. I did try to do a 3d animation in software called blender but past my skills atm. I want to have a go at a simple animated cartoon with me in it. That would be fun. Always trying to learn new tricks in Adobe after effects to make them more visually appealing, which is a fantastic bit of software.I need a new pc though as mine is struggling a bit with rendering and 4k previews. I did tweak the sound in this one, and level matched it to the music too. I did try the Jotunheim headphone amp which had a multibit card in I think. Review on website. I think I preferred the qutest at the time but a lot more so hardly surprising. I did find the schiit multibit searingly detailed. I’ve got these Adam audio headphones which I’ve been listening to a lot with my rme and will be my next review. Best wishes simon

[@antonchigurh4125]

Thanks Simon. A delightful overview of the current DAC landscape (and an unwanted reminder of my pockets not being big enough for the top contenders!) Just a note on your comment on 'revisiting all your music.' For me, this is a surefire sign that an upgrade to the system has been a positive one: you know things are good when you start digging out all those forgotten CDs to see if there are any hidden details a new piece of kit might unearth. Thanks, as always, for posting.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much Anton as ever. Me too with the pockets. I think you are right....my test is if I put other stuff off to keep on listening. Doesn't come along that often but the Bartok and DAVE here are definitely products where that is true. I just really hope that in 4-5 years it's the norm at a lot less money. PS I love that line from Jackie Brown, so funny, couldn't resist putting it in for analogy purposes.

[@antonchigurh4125]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Fingers crossed you can get hold of the Terminator for a test drive. So many good reviews on these Denafrips products. If I were in the market for a new DAC that and the TT2 would be the top two contenders.

[@Robinson8491]

Thanks, making me feel confident about the RME I am gonna get this weekend

[@anirudhrao4]

Would love your thoughts about the Lampizator Amber 3 and/or the Sonnet Morpheus

[@VintageStereoCollectorChannel]

I bought my Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ at the end of 2020 when their promotion included a pair of their RCA cables and a balanced headphone cable adapter. Now I know why they no longer produce this DAC model. It’s a great sounding DAC. Great review & glad I subscribed to your channel.👍👍

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Cheers very much. Enjoy your music…❤️😀

[@JosephTongret]

I very occasionally visit ASR for the measurements and reviews. I stumbled upon a thread there where they bashed you, and I couldn't believe it! You're not at all an audiophile snob, but more of an open minded person who seems tolerant of anyone's point of view. Anyhow, I'm glad you're part of the community, and I think you make positive contributions!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Hi Joseph, thanks very much. I basically went on there - I know it sounds a bit bad - to be a bit controversial by holding up my opinions to see what came back, as research for a video I will do. Unsurprisingly it came back with lots of the usual, double blind, and so on. So I’m sure I’ll have fun deconstructing that in my film, and I see the measurement and not personal experiences approach to hifi is damaging. It’s hard enough for manufacturers as it is, let alone telling people they are wrong based on measurements before they have heard it themselves.

[@JosephTongret]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 I've personally never commented in those forums. I have no desire to argue on the internet.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I largely stay away from them now and it’s an echo chamber for narrow views or those of group think agenda, such that anyone who thinks differently won’t take part. They tend to not be the best way to get complex views across therefore. Doing videos are.

[@raphaelmeillat8527]

Same experience as you Simon. Couldn't help it... Had to post a few thoughts on ASR. Lot of technically knowledgeable people... Too bad they feel they have to leave their emotional brain at the door!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

@@raphaelmeillat8527 I spoke to one guy at that forum and he was so entrenched in his views it was unbelievable.

[@jonthompson8807]

i came hoping to learn something about the sub $1k dacs and i ran into this. pretty good my dude. i even managed to laugh at 4 of your 173 jokes. keep it up!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you and thanks very much my bud. Lol. More jokes in the next one publishing tomorrow or sat on sub 1000 - ish dacs. Anyone for Julios Iglesias.

[@jonthompson8807]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 lol you are the man. thank you. if you could touch on desktop environments i would appreciate it. im still confused about connecting via USB and what you have to set your computer to. in windows i have my signal coming out at 24/192. thats kind of annoying to me. it can go higher. but not DSD higher as far as i can tell? i want the dacmagic 200m but i havent figured out how to play DSD with it yet.

[@drtod]

I'm surprised none of the Schiit Audio DACs made the list due to their excellent build quality and clean sound they produce. Unless of course (I'm assuming) you didn't have the opportunity in reviewing Schiit products to perform the comparison - or has the company fallen to the competition?

[@clabbem74]

hi, excellent list !, im looking for a sweet sounding dac. I have tried a not expensives dac, where the problems it use cheaper opamps than makes the Dac sylibants and bright in the treble..... what dac do you recomend ? I use Arya V2 + singxer SA-1 amp topping d70s, d90se, smls su9 , ares 2, chord qutest, other? thanks so much...!

[@wouterkolkman]

Thank you for the video! You mentioned the Denafrips Terminator. Have you had the opportunity to listen yet, or perhaps the Terminator plus?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thankyou. Hoping to do terminator sometime later this year.

[@net_news]

WOW!!!! Excellent comparative!!!!! REALLY GREAT!! Thanks!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you very much!!!!

[@DBTAudio]

Have you reviewed any Benchmark or Holo Audio DACs? Just curious because they didn’t make your top ten best DAC list. Good video. Thanks!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks, only can be ones I've reviewed as I made clear, but unfortunately not although I did hear a Benchmark once when someone brought it around. Pretty decent I thought. The DAC 3 HGC I think it was.

[@joscallinet6260]

What makes it rather hard for a reviewer like 13th Note to audition a Holo Audio 'MAY KTE' DAC is the fact that they are sold directly to the customer from the factory in China which makes them - you must place a fully-paid-in-advance order directly with Holo Audio, whereupon they THEN proceed to build your DAC to order and ship it to you directly from China, via DSL - so there are NO dealers in the E.U. or the U.S. who have any in stock which they can send to a reviewer like 13th Note HiFi Review to appraise it and publish a candid report. (By the way, Holo Audio's designation 'KTE' stands for "Kitsune Tuned Edition,' which is their top-of-the-line version of the 'MAY' DAC.) There are three versions of the MAY - a basic entry-level model, a mid-level, mid-price version, and their top-of-the-line KTE model, which offers premium-quality silver wiring and components. I own the Holo Audio MAY KTE DAC, and it is a superb-sounding R-to-R Resistor-Ladder DAC. It handily out-performs the CHORD 'DAVE' / M-Scaler combination, both of which I bought prior to learning about the "MAY." I have since sold both. One caveat: The Holo Audio 'MAY' DAC, in all its three versions, MUST be seriously broken in (> 500 hours) before it begins to reach its sonic potential. Therefore, in addition to the difficulty in just laying hands on a 'MAY' to evaluate, an appraiser must also give it a great amount of break-in time before she/he can begin to hear it at its best. This is why we don't see many reviews of this item.

[@DBTAudio]

@@joscallinet6260 I understand all of the above. I had the Spring 2 KTE, sold it and bought the Spring 3 KTE. I just wanted to know if the reviewer ever reviewed the Holo Audio offerings because they have been reviewed by several hifi reviewers in spite of their availability. Thanks

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I’m reviewing the holo audio spring 3 dac level 2 atm. Video out this weekend hopefully, editing it atm 😀.

[@DBTAudio]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Cool…. I will check out your review. Thanks for the update!

[@BrentLeVasseur]

I recently got the Kitsume KTE Holo May Dac and I think it can compete with DACs 3-4x its price like the Chord Dave, DcS Bartok and the MolaMola Tambeque. So it’s worth checking out. Also its the only R2R ladder DAC in the uber high end range that doesn’t rely on a Sigma/Delta upsampling scheme. With the Holo May you have the option to upsample or not, where as with those other high end Sigma/Delta Dacs they have to upsample and convert the signal prior to decoding. So from a purist perspective the Holo May is the best reference DAC you can buy.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Have you tried the dcs, Dave etc?

[@BrentLeVasseur]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 No which is why I didn’t say it beats those DACs. However from an engineering perspective all of those DACs use Sigma/Delta schemes which require upsampling and conversion before decoding. So my decision was made based on that and the analysis of the internal designs of the Holo May and those other FPGA Sigma/Delta DACs. The idea behind Sigma/Delta is based on the Sony/Philips SACD DSD format...at least I think that’s where they got the idea. And subjectively speaking, DSD sounds more analogue than PCM based sampling rate formats. However, 99% of all recordings made today are engineered and recorded in PCM in ProTools. So you are basically stuck with a PCM source recording no matter what you do. Until the recording industry changes over to DXD this will not change. So if you are a purist, then a DAC that doesn’t upsample or convert the signal prior to decoding is preferable from a reference standpoint. Whether you think the Bartok sounds better or not (and I’m guessing it sounds fabulous or they wouldn’t be able to charge what they charge for that DAC) can only be determined with an A/B test. And I encourage you to do that as a reviewer. As a consumer, I am 99% confident that the HoloMay can compete in the same ballpark without having to do a direct A/B test which is why I bought the Holo May. It may not be better than the Bartok or the MolaMola Tambaqui, but I think it comes close to matching it at a lower price point which makes it the best value for the money.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Brent LeVasseur thanks for honesty. you are making a judgement based on a personal technical reason which may or may not be right, without hearing a product though. The best way to do it is an experienced based one, on your own listening tests.

[@andrepaul5458]

I still love my Mark Levinson No.35 DAC. It sounds rich, fluid, smooth and very natural.

[@Shoebutie]

Fine review. Glad to have found your channel

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you . I love the production as you can probably tell.

[@Mad.Maxx.77]

I've used the Gustard X20Pro, Schiit Gungnir Multibit, Topping D90 MQA, RME ADI-2, Emotiva XDA-2, among others. I think the D90 and RME sound almost the same and are my 2 favorites. I'd like to try an R2R like the Ares II, in the near future. Nice video, mate!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Good selection there. Thanks for nice comments too! 👍😀

[@Karim-ik5ij]

Try listening to them blind/ volume matched w voltmeter. Ill suck you off if you can hear a difference in any

[@peterwood2633]

Great video and I have those atlas interconnects too they look so cool!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you

[@rogerhuston8287]

Schiit Yggy and Halo May, I would have added to this list.

[@asplmn]

Lol I had the exact same thought. Have you owned both? Would be interesting to hear comparisons between both.

[@PresidentSigFreud]

I agree with your Schiit reference.

[@rktrkt-tw8nd]

Schiit yggy measures so so poor. Does it mean poor measurements sound better ?

[@rktrkt-tw8nd]

Wow DCS Bartok number at 1 ? It's so so bright that you can't listen it beyond half an hour.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Defo not a bright dac

[@evb62]

I was fortunate enough to listen extensively to the dCS Bartok (family member has one). Not for my pocket, but I definitely agree with your review.

[@IronHorsey3]

Was it connected to solid state or tubes? Curious on the setup.

[@grayfool]

Very nice production. Interesting mix of products too. Oh! just one thing. Sade is pronounced Sha-Day. What a voice.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

thank you very much. Someone said that re pronunciation but thanks too for correcting.

[@robvandendolder3157]

Great range of DACs. 2nd time I’ve viewed this and it’s well worth it. But, Where do the Holo audio May and denafrips terminator plus DACs fit in?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you. Maybe soon can I test the denafrips

[@dmartyn3809]

Wonderful DAC overview…love to see a similar review of Integrated Amps, then speakers? Thank you Simon!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much . Defo a good idea when I’ve got more amps to speak of

[@topper45]

Very good video. You really should get yourself in front of a Lampizator DAC. Tube rolling is a pleasure all of its own!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much. Never been a fan of tubes against solid state gear gear tbh.

[@topper45]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Deng Xiaoping in the 1960s - "Black cat or white cat, if it can catch mice, it's a good cat."

[@PresidentSigFreud]

I, too, have recently discovered your work here. Well done. Your presentation kept me leaning into my iPhone for more. I appreciate how you use good words to say more with less. You have mastered the art of thorough analyses with respect to 21st-century attention spans. Bravo.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Wow thanks so much for the compliments

[@ericelmore2742]

Has you too 5 change since this video? I have the dmp-a6 , I’m using it as a streamer /Dac . I wanted to know if you heard Mola Mola , any Weiss dac’s . If so do they make your list?

[@jamescrook8815]

Again another great review. I am interested though for the name of background music during the Denafrips review, haven't heard this for a really long time.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you very much. I think that’s called Chung Kuo by Vangelis, a cover version 😀👍

[@michaelmityok1001]

Super production value film Simon, wow, and lots of utility in the review.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Very much Michael as ever. I was a bit annoyed at the end on the dCS segment, as it jumped a few times between coups but couldn’t see it in the preview process without ram previewing it, and couldn’t be bothered to re render again, but hopefully with a better pc will not see mistakes like that in final edit. Maybe small thing to onlookers though.

[@michaelmityok1001]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 the manufacturers should be paying you to do their internet marketing. Weird how most still haven't figured it out yet that young folks who make up their future customers want videos like this one rather than "ads" in Stereophile. Chord is a tech company but still woefully old school when it comes to marketing to create new customers lol cuz us 50 somethings like me are gonna die thick and fast COVID or no COVID.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

@@michaelmityok1001 with respect to the manufacturers Michael I think mostly they think that the market is limited to a few older people or that it’s niche. And they have experience of this in their sales. This is the overwhelming thing I get when speaking to them, in terms of audiophile gear. But without respect to them, if I can put it like that, this way of thinking is a double edged sword, because if you think it’s limited you won’t try and extend to others. Also sound quality is becoming more important an issue in relative budget hifi. I really think that more people have more money nowadays and it’s a fight to attract people away from golf memberships or whatever, but I try and make it broad because at the end of the day you need new entrants and videos done this way, hopefully attract this. I also think the industry needs to pull together to work out a marketing strategy in the way reviews are done, who they are serving and are new entrants sought, because in my perspective, marketing (done in the right way) is a very diminished part of the audiophile hifi industry. It tends to be more about sales. More of these brands should have KZbin channels without doubt.

[@michaelmityok1001]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 I guess I just don't get how one could think only of the present customer base and not wonder, how you are gonna survive when that one's in the grave, literally speaking. I don't run my business that way, but hey I guess others don't much care about the future.

[@chaiyasinvorakoopt3434]

Thank you for an excellent review.

[@markhampton7559]

Have you compared the Chord DAVE and M-SCALER combo, to the Bartok?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Never tried that one 😀🎵🔊🎶

[@ronsummerill2496]

I have a Arcam D33 super DAC- I reckon it would give a few of these a run for there money.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

That would be an interesting test. Hope you are keeping well Ron.

[@palefaced1]

Naim dac v1 is the best I have ever heard by far. Using with meze empyrean and ether c flow.

[@adrianmortimer3369]

Simon a great video, nicely balanced and presented. Many congratulations.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you very much Adrian, glad you liked it. Doing one on Roon atm

[@nicoastylehifiman]

I choose directly the rme adi 💯💯💯👍🔝

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I think saying it has a Ess sabre dac now rather than AKM

[@ramezaziz2336]

I'm enjoying my Aqua La Scala ii Optologic. I haven't owned any of the DACs in the review, so would love to hear from anyone who had the chance to compare it to some of them (especially the dSC). Great review!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you. Aqua make some great DACs

[@richardwas7168]

You convey the differences in sound quality of DACs in a concise way that really helps hi-fi enthusiasts-great stuff. I'd be very interested in your views on English boutique brand Graham Slee's Majestic DAC, which I preferred over the Qutest and RME in the same price-range. The brand's loaner program gives everyone the opportunity to try out the Majestic.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much and compliments. I’ll check that out with majestic and good call as that might mean they are willing for me to review. In what way did you prefer out of interest. Bw simon

[@richardwas7168]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 The Majestic is very engaging in a 'vinyl MC-cartridge' way, particularly when paired with the brand's Proprius mono-blocks. With natural transients (important to me) and tonality, it competes with the big boys to my ears.

[@scottb379]

Great videos! Recently discovered your channel. Do you think there's a sweetspot for a DAC being used for CD only? I'd really appreciate your thoughts on this... Cheers

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks, depends on gear !

[@morrimoto]

i use the topping d90 mqa in my living room -- i wonder how it would stack up against the dacs you've tried...

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I've reached out and I will hopefully review some Topping gear when the distributor is able. Unfortunately Covid-19 is putting a dampener on trying lots of gear.

[@Thomas-us4wq]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Please consider trying out the Arcam ST60 when you're at it.. No english review exist, I know of at least... Perhaps you being English can be key.. :)

[@robertm8518]

Excellent review, very well done!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you very much

[@williamharper7]

The music played with the dcs Bartok, what is it? I've heard it before and must have it.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

It's called Suo Gan. Welsh Cradle Song. Used in Empire of the Sun - although the one I used is copyright free : kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6rJYWhvpdiJm9k

[@williamharper7]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Thank you so much! I recall the motion picture and remember how lovely the tune sounded back then. Thanks again.

[@gtaudio3796]

Enjoying very much a Xiang Sheng DA-03A upgraded with Burson Discreet op-amps using the non-valve output into a Super-Farad powered Temple Audio Bantam Stealth amplifier powering Dynaudio Emit 20 Speakers and REL Stentor subwoofer. jaw-dropping performance!

[@AlexKopeikin]

Thank you for the video. What about Sonosax M2D2?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks for suggesting. Will check it out sometime. So so many unfortunately....

[@briancampbell7712]

I'm thinking of getting the new Vincent SV-737 hybrid...designed in Germany...it has a optical and coaxial...how much would it benefit me to use one of your favorite DAC's with it?...Why is it that only the cheaper built Korea and china Dac's have an hdmi ? I'd love to use one with eArc...thank you!

[@cb6171]

Much appreciated as always simon , even the Name Bartok just does it for me lol ive just been looking recently at one thats not in that list, but more in my price range unfortunately, the Cambridge audio DacMagic 200M , i have the audioquest cobalt hooked up to my Imac at the moment, id like something with a headphone amp thats MQA , i will wait for more reviews.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks Gaza. That looks a good one and I might try and get it in. I had a DAC Magic Plus about 7-8 years ago and it was good. They tend to be toppy dacs. I'm hoping to try the new Liberty 2 DAC from Mytek soon. tbh spend a bit more for the RME is my advice. So neutral. It is a beast and OK not MQA capable but I wouldn't make formats the be all and end all as I said in my DACs advice video. BW Simon

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

PS they names them all after composers like Rossini, Bartok. Although I'd never heard of Bela Bartok. They wouldn't have called it Saint Saens as nobody would be able to pronounce it lol. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Béla_Bartók

[@cb6171]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 thank you mate 👍

[@cb6171]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 😂

[@stephaned.557]

Very happy with my Audio-gd R7

[@MrBazsi888]

I would talk about: - Analogue Audio AADAC - Metronome Le DAC

[@shinyukomusic]

Would love to see your top picks for DAC/AMP combos! Fantastic content by the way! You know your stuff!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thankyou, when I’ve done more products definitely a good idea! Thanks for suggesting 😀

[@shinyukomusic]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Appreciate it brother! 💯🤞

[@Stephenwongdirectimaging]

Recently I tested few high end. Dac ps audio , auralic Vega 2 , chord Dave , Chord TT2 with M scaler . I end up buying the Denafrips Terminator Plus they are so good

[@sydsM3]

I recently found your channel and just subscribed because I really like your review philosophy. Your videos are not just interesting but entertaining with high production value. I do have a question which I would love to get your opinion on. Which would be your value for money DAC choice(s) to mate with a pair of Genelec 8350a powered studio monitors (balanced inputs only on these). Application is in a second system with a Cable Box, TV, and some sort of a streamer and/or music server (yet to be determined as well). My primary system are Kii 3s (where the DACs are built in), Auralic Aries streamer, Magnum Dynalab FM Tuner, Spectral line preamp, Spectral phono preamp, Avid Acutus/SME V/Lyra analog front end. Keep up the great work and look forward to hearing opinion!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much for nice comments, that’s definitely the aim. I’m trialling only giving full advice chats to people who support my site, even if small amounts. This is because my project is about credible reviews so viewers benefit. Plus these videos take over a week of work. Patreon or PayPal. Links in description. Also my advice will depend on your budget. I think those genelecs are what the BBC use in the U.K., I went round one of their studios once and they were all over desks. Well regarded I think.

[@sydsM3]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Fair enough! Will be a Patreon shortly once I figure out how...

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks, just sent you message..

[@malteserfalcon]

Does any one know the name of the track that comes in at 6:32 when reviewing the Venus ?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

You can Shazam it, normally works

[@CinemaDemocratica]

Funny thing about those crazy-crazy-crazy expensive DCS ring-DACS -- they licensed one to Arcam a few years ago for the FMJ CD23t CD-player , which wasn't anything like that expensive. I think it went for about $750 new and it sounded spectacular.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

A dealer was telling me about that and saying a similar thing.

[@CinemaDemocratica]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 I've heard a **lot** of DACS and integrated CD-players and, to this very day, nothing has ever sounded as good to me as that Arcam. Would that there was someone out there who could mod that thing to accept a digital input so I could use it as a DAC in my present system.

[@amazoidal]

I like my Pro-Ject DAC for less than $400. It does DSD and MQA out of the box and is a double DAC configuration.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

heard good things about those.

[@sakabatou]

Putting the red xlr into the left channel would drive me nuts 8:19

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Lol, I suppose it is a bit of a Freudian thing, it is my right. I suppose when you have it against the wall you do it right. 😂

[@zaakchalal]

Hi Simon, interesting review. Good job. But you need to try absolutely the Mola Mola TAMBAQUI…

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks , have asked but they had backlogs or production issues I think which in Covid 19 times is not unusual. Will keep trying those. Thanks for the shout out.

[@TBKC2C3]

Just the video I need to consider the upgrade to my Musical Fidelity MX DAC. Thanks Simon, great video...

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you very much !😀

[@barryjoyce9249]

Great Review as always Simon RME Price 😄👍

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Nice one Barry. 😂Thankyou. 😀

[@richmck007]

Would these DAC be similar to the Brennan B1 / 2 ? If so, which decent class sounding device where I can record ( rip ) my CD collection and hear it all on one device would you recommend? Many thanks

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

Excellent comparison, Simon!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you very much Juan.

[@Johnny3514]

Great vid as usual, but where did the Hegel (which I have at home) go? Not good enough…?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Not with you ? Which Hegel?

[@Johnny3514]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 The HD30 that you can see 1’14” into the clip…

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

No one tested.

[@Johnny3514]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Do that. Won’t regret it…;)

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Want to try the mola mola, then Denafrips terminator.

[@apw2607]

Also really like the top 10 format.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you. I’ll definitely do more as these are popular

[@geoffreyvanhouwaert8677]

Merason audio frerot😊

[@kevincorr2985]

Sadie is a great singer. :)

[@chaiyasinvorakoopt3434]

I like her song Why Can't We Live Together when test my sound system.

[@spektrograf]

Love your candid thoughts and variety of videos. Thank you for this one in summing up your journey to date. I am curious to see how Lampizator (perhaps the Amber 3?) sits in your rankings. The esoteric approach of both the DAC and input and output stages makes me quite curious.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you very much. That would be an interesting one to try. I’d also like to check out Hegel’s best separates DAC as the dac in the Mohican CD player is very good. Oh, too many, too many......

[@Anand.Asrani]

Fabulous list ☺️ ,yes Amplifiers comparison Is a great idea !!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you ! 😀

[@69Muscle]

I just bought the Cambridge Audio DacMagic 200M. Listening to Tidal MQA Masters thru my Focal Clears is stunning. For $500, I think it’s a steal and one damn good DAC.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Good one. I tried the clears and liked them. Loving the rme adi-2 dac and Adam audio headphones I did. Good combo.

[@maninironmask7925]

I know DAC's are more specific or rather exclusive for listenting to sound but would a good Audio Interface do the same as a DAC. Not a top tier one but an average DAC? My Interface allows audio at 192K HZ

[@RealHIFIHelp]

I tried DCS before, not this specific one. And I would only put it at around a 50th place. Good DAC, but crazy expensive.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

The current range are very good indeed, plus I also think it is important to try at home in any view. I tend to agree they are crazy money but if you have it..... I went around their Swavesey premises near Cambridge in the UK and it's like a mini fighter aircraft factory. It's that modern and clean!

[@RealHIFIHelp]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Interesting. I tried DCS a couple of times, and I liked how clear/clean/focused/precise it was with good structure. It just wasn't even close to the Audio Note 2.1 signature in regards to naturality/voices/instruments for around 1/3 of the price. Compared to that, it sounded dead/grey/mechanical. (but if I had not heard that particular DAC, DCS would impress me a lot more) I find the DCS sound to be very similar to emmlabs/playback design, also price wise.

[@Coneman3]

I have a Jay’s Audio DAC 2 signature and it’s really good, but I’ve got nothing in its price range to compare it to. I have a Jay’s audio transport as well, they are more common.

[@Canadian_Eh_I]

RE the Directstream MK1: When I initially set it up I was disappointed.. Didnt expect too much because I bought it used only paid $2100. But then I began to notice that the irritating sibilance that often made me unable to relax into the sound was gone. No other dac Ive had has so far accomplished this. Maybe makes it worth the price. YMMV

[@stevezeidman7224]

Hello, watching from the US. Ive just found your channel. I wish I had sooner. I’ve watched a few of your videos and enjoyed your injection of humor. I don’t know if you’ve got access to Schiit products, I use a Bifrost 2. It’s a multibit Dac selling for $700. It’s resolving yet full sounding and does not slice your ears off resolving treble. I would offer it as a true value.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thankyou very much Steve, I know the distributor in uk so hopefully some more soon. Doing one on Roon atm. Bw Simon

[@cb6171]

Simon i need a bit of help please , ive gone for the RME to set it up with my IMac and pair it with my Harmon kardon sound sticks , my sound sticks only have a 3.5mm jack connection , if i use a 2 RCA male to 3.5mm female jack , or what other speaks for a desktop should i go for, do they have to be powered ?? Sorry to ask , just a bit of a dilemma as ive bought the RME and noticed the problem

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

I’m asking people to donate or subscribe to patreon so I can answer questions like this, if you haven’t already, as I get so many and don’t have the time anymore to reply. Not the amount more the appreciation thing. See description.

[@robertgough508]

I ditched my qutest for the dac in the densen 420xs cd player!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Interesting to know you think the Densen is an improvement.

[@haimsheffer6820]

Very nice review. Did you check IFI PRO IDSD Dac? It is an excellent DAC. Much better than Chord Qutest to my taste

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you very much. I haven’t checked that one out but I may do so in the fullness of time. 😀👍

[@Stephenwongdirectimaging]

I using Mytek Brooklyn I went to shop to tested outbtge pro idsd . Still perfer mytek

[@WXSTANG]

So you said something... as close to records as possible... so... just how good are they compared to a record player?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Not sure what I said as a while ago. Can you give the time stamp ?

[@eliesgrau7487]

My DAC is a 1995 Philips 1549/T1. I found some information about the 1549 and other versions too but not about my specific T1 version. Can someone who really understands about HIFI help me? I'm new and confused with this about DACs. Can someone tell me if my DAC is good/normal/bad quality? what potential does it have if I combine it with other components? I can't find much information on the internet. Thanks

[@xstensl8823]

hi Simon i am looking for a DAC to replace my NAD D1050 which sounds very good with my Rega gear. very good DAC originally cost $500 in 2013, have you heard it? thanks.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Haven’t tbh Rudy

[@geraldgreene5563]

Love your reviews

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you Gerald. Really kind. More coming like this and comments like yours give me loads of encouragement. Bw Simon.

[@geraldgreene5563]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 I’ll keep watching that’s for sure... lots to learn

[@MrChillywilly7]

First of all great content! Question i now have a Musical fidelity M6i hooked up in ht bypass to my Marantz sr6008 paired with Boston acoustics m350 floorstanders, i now play music with Spotify on PlayStation 4 which sounds ok, but no where near the demo i had with the M6i hooked up to a cocktail audio streamer! Any suggestions what to do? Get something like Cambridge audio 851n or go for something like the Bluesound node 2i with a separate dac? And how to connect it for the best sound quality?! Thanks so much in advance! Keep up the great work! Im telling everyone if you want hifi knowledge and honest opinions go here)

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you very much . Node 2i is prob all you need depending on functionality really. Bw simon

[@jmp622]

what do you think about using a McIntosh MCD500 CD players DAC with Node 2i? Getting double duty from my CD player. Unsure if you or viewers have tried similar test using other hi end players as option. Looking forward to everyone’s thoughts

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Sorry can’t help see ** in description

[@techinvoke9048]

Kindly also review some of the high end chinese DACs currently available

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Will try to , thankyou.

[@jimbo2000400]

Hi Simon, thanks for this honest and factual review. Do you have any plans to compare the Chord Dave with its partnering M Scaler, to the DCS Bartok?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much. I don’t tbh and I think if it were my money I’d go for bartok without m scaler. I think the m scaler is an elaborate and overly expensive high diminishing return component tbh. Sure it improves performance but at what cost?

[@Jack96993]

Great DAC reviews! Would be nice to get a review, as l haven't seen many on my DAC, the Exogal Comet Plus This DAC was designed by previous designers from Wadia and is made in the US It is very well made with lots of connections options The display is very small, but not much of a concern as everything is controlled through a smart phone app. I think it sounds marvelous with my equipment. The cost with its separate power supply is $3,000 USD

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks for nice comments, I’ll definitely take note of that one for future reviews.

[@marsrover2134]

Good video Simon ... though you may be left off of shah-DAY's Christmas card list this year ( 8:09 ) 🤭

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much. Shah-days sorry?. ASR ?

[@marsrover2134]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Not ASR - as intended - in light amusement only. Sade (shah-DAY) Adu - British/Nigerian songstress ... rather than SAY-dee.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Oh ok, thanks, got it. I kinda like that song tbh although a bit cheesy. Probably before my time as I was only ten in 84 when that came out. I had a bit of shakin Steven’s I think. Lol. 😀😂

[@marsrover2134]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Oh - Sade is some great listening. She made something of a ’comeback’ album in 2010 - Soldier Of Love. Title track and Babyfather are particularly worth a listen - good production. Shakey - meh - full credit but perhaps left ’behind the green door’ 😉

[@elcolin_]

Would any DAC discussed here make audio coming out of a desktop PC also sound better the same way you say it will make audio sound better coming from the Macbook laptop? I can't figure out if the onboard audio on my motherboard (ASUS Crosshair Hero VIII) is any worse than an external DAC. If I buy a DAC, I want/need to make sure it's going to sound better than my current setup: USB output into 3.5mm headphone jack Y-split out to Left & Right powered M-AUDIO BX5a studio monitors.... so many things to choose from, sheesh!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

You need to try yourself but I’m not sure I understand the logic of pairing dacs costing this much with relative budget speakers. It seems to me you need a speaker change in all probability

[@gilleslussier9247]

Sir : my recent comments were NOT directed at you personally. I respect and applaud all the information put foreword in your article. I am deeply sorry if I have offended you. The thing is that , contrary to before, there were no commercials like there now. That is what bugs me.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Ok sorry for the misunderstanding and thanks for your nice compliment. You haven’t offended me. I do say no to the ones you can’t skip when I put adds on , in the options of the video, as I agree they are very annoying and hate those myself where you have to wait 30s to a minute. Sometimes though KZbin put on ads themselves and this video is really popular so that’s probably what’s happened. Their prerogative I suppose though as they own it. I saw an email recently from KZbin where channels who say no to ads don’t have any choice on KZbin anymore, when they post. As I say, no worries. 😀👌👍

[@Simon-dn9kv]

I'm slightly confused by the DAC chart at the end. Is the rating sound quality per dollar or overall sound quality?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

as explained at start Simon, best sound quality regardless of price.

[@hrvoluja3047]

@@13thnotehifireviews7and you heard all of those?Including terminator? Excellent video though

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Terminator not yet, tried all at home. Thanks for nice comments!😀

[@hrvoluja3047]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 amazing.. Home comparison is the best... All tested in same system in short period of time? Chers

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

@@hrvoluja3047 enough of a difference to know the changes and where they are obvious. Where it isn't obvious or lost recollection of events I always say.

[@JulianFernandez]

Hows a Benchmark DAC1 compared to these? thanks!

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

See description

[@JulianFernandez]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 Was a general question, not only for you. thanks though.

[@rajendrabiswas]

Wish I could afford qutest.. any advice for my budget around 350 to 400 dollars ?

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

My video on the dongle DACs might give you a bit of inspiration. Audioquest, or chord or one of the Chinese brands. Personally I’d be looking there. Topping etc.

[@rajendrabiswas]

@@13thnotehifireviews7 do you feel Modi multibit can beat chord

[@williamh5780]

Nice.. enjoyable video, thank you. I wanna put a vote in (for purely selfish reasons) for the Holo Audio May 2. Would be good to get your take on it.

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thank you very much William. Got so much to check out but will try and remember that one. 😀👍

[@sinbad64]

Great review Simon. In my personal experience of trying a few DAC's (as always depending on each persons level of HiFi) and pound for pound / level of performance etc, the Chord Qutest is the winner; a great bit of kit, easy to use and superb results sound wise :-)

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Thanks very much Simon!

[@chaiyasinvorakoopt3434]

I feel the same as you do for Chord Qutest. I may get one for my system.

[@sinbad64]

@@chaiyasinvorakoopt3434 ...definitely can recommend from my experiences / demo's etc :-) All the best, Simon.