No, because the effect of the (default) filter is measured on the ouput. Two DACs measured with their default filter that both measure as transparent (inaudible noise, disotortion, and flat FR) will sound the same. Obviously if you change the filter to one that alters the FR (for example) then that can change - but then you are essentially selecting a broken filter.Can different filters explain why we feel inconsistent sensations when listening to different DACs explain (at least partially) when theoretically are measured linearly?
Audibly identical DACS fet into the same non linear amp will still sound identical. But then why are you using a non linear amp in any case?Or perhaps interaction with non-linear amps explain these inconsistencies because output levels of the DAC can’t produce exactly the same sound even if the preamp volume is used to compensate them?
I've seen you mention this a number of times. I can't see what you are perceiving as being based on reality. I think your monitors are genelec? Their gain control is not going to be so awful that they alter the sound in any audible way at different gain levels. I suspect what you are perceiving is due to insufficiently accurate level matching (obviously you cannot measure the amp output with a voltmeter - generally required if you need to accurately level match). Or, equally likely good old sighted cognitive biases. In other words - insufficiently controlled comparisons.I mean, in my particular case my studio monitors have an input gain: one of my two DACs is playing louder than the other so to compensate that I low down the volume of the DAC output or I reduce the gain on the monitor input circuit.
Is this causing some effect? Despite being convinced that both DACs are well made, one of them always cause me fatigue with highs very enhanced. I cannot feel it immediately but soon or later I will have to put the other.
That is not how perceptive/cognitive biases work. They are subconscious, and have nothing to do with your conscious expectations.The one that please me more (or at least don’t produce me fatiguing) is the cheapest one (by far) so is difficult that I have psychological predisposition to believe is better; in fact I bought it for recording as it has a ADC and never thought to use it to play music.
So if you really want to know, I think the first step of your search - if you are really motivated - is to set up a properly controlled blind test.So I continue to search an explanation from time to time
(assuming you've checked the measurements of the two devices, and there isn't an obviously audible FR difference)
Level matching will be difficult but you could probably do it well enough by putting the speaker gain to max, and using the preamp mode of one of the DACs to lower the output to match the other. This could then be measured at the output of the DAC using a volt meter. The few DB of digital volume control is not going to make an audible difference. Then find a way to switch between the two DACS blind without any tells.
Audio Blind Testing - You Are Doing It Wrong! (Video)
Just uploaded a video on the basics of performing controlled tests in audio. It was motivated by saving myself text in having to write all of this down when telling someone who to do these tests right. And as a counter to a few online personalities to keep saying they do "blind" tests yet when...
www.audiosciencereview.com
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