I own and would also recommend the RME ADI-2 DAC FS, and the Schitt Bifrost DAC, which is a little cheaper but also less versatile. They sound quite different (the Bifrost is warmer but less resolving - still an excellent DAC!) and so I use them in different systems where their strengths are better suited to the amplifier and speakers that they're partnered with. DACs vary significantly in their impact on the sound of your system, something I discovered as the quality/resolution of my system improved. In a capable but entry level system, you won't hear a meaningful difference, so it also depends on whether you plan to invest and develop your setup.
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Need advice choosing a DAC
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Killingbeans
Major Contributor
Prepare for a tsunami of facepalms and eye rolls
Suffice to say, that statement about DACs does not follow the general consensus on line level electronics on this forum.
No offence, but new users who choose to do this kind of "enlightenment" in their first post on ASR are a dime a dozen. It's not that we think you shouldn't have an opinion, but this stuff has been disputed ad infinitum, and it always comes down to placebo or unreliable testing.
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Hello everyone @ ASR. :) I couldn't find a new members section so thought I'd start one... if that is ok @amirm. I'm from Australia and have been a member of a number of audio and tech forums for well over 20 years. So g'day everyone, in particular any other Aussies here (@Sir Sanders...
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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...
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Uh huh.
Trell
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DACs do NOT vary much if anything at all. You do not need a expensive resolving system to, "Hear a meaningful difference." Your commentary is malarkey.
Vacceo
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That may be your perception, but not necessarily what is happening.
Galliardist
Addicted to Fun and Learning
Audirvana requires a VST plugin to apply EQ. This isn't something I've used or set up, but there seem to be a number of plugins you can use, and you should be able to use similar settings to your APO ones with the right plugin. It'll need you to do some research on the matter, but that will be cheaper than an RME DAC to store settings just for one set of speakers.
Wiothout much evidence, I am wondering if the amp may be the weak point here given that those are nominally 6 ohm speakers, but that'll probably still be a fairly expensive upgrade.
Having said that, bringing the TV into the system does sound like the next step here. Generally, I believe the best reason to upgrade is to add something to the system, rather than chasing sound quality.
Do any of your suggested DACs have a distributor where you are located? Warranty and support may be more important than feature set here.
Wiothout much evidence, I am wondering if the amp may be the weak point here given that those are nominally 6 ohm speakers, but that'll probably still be a fairly expensive upgrade.
Having said that, bringing the TV into the system does sound like the next step here. Generally, I believe the best reason to upgrade is to add something to the system, rather than chasing sound quality.
Do any of your suggested DACs have a distributor where you are located? Warranty and support may be more important than feature set here.
I was in your shoes previously. I've discovered that this pursuit couldn't be better suited to the adage that ignorance is bliss. We should all enjoy where we are in the journey but it's also perfectly valid to offer an alternative view if it's grounded in our experience.
Frost here refers to cold things.
I assumed bi frost would be double cold.
So I am surprised it is warmer.
An alternate view that can't be supported with evidence can simply be discarded.
Unfortunately, the ignorant are the ones being taken advantage of by the hi end propaganda machine. I wouldn't call that bliss.
Try this:
Ignorance is ignorance. Bliss is bliss. To think that they are one and the same is... well.. ignorant.
Killingbeans
Major Contributor
Absolutely. But it should be made 100% clear that it's just a personal experience. And when other people point out that it isn't useful as reliable information, it shouldn't be taken personally.
I have Allo Piano 2.1 with Kali Reclocker on RPi4 powered via linear PSU. Have the same setup with SMSL Sanskrit 10th MKII, too. These setups are very similar to your Allo Boss v1.2. I can't hear any significant difference. So I think if you want to buy a new DAC, spare some money and get something better where you can (maybe) hear the diffetence.Hello all,
Currently I am using Allo Boss 1.2v with raspberry pi4 and Volumio, but I want to upgrade my current setup and I would like to buy a external DAC (I plan also connect TV), so I would like to get some advice.
Currently I am choosing between these 4 options below:
TOPPING E30 II DAC 2x AK4493S XMOS XU208 32bit 768kHz DSD512 Black - Audiophonics
Topping comes back with the compact DAC E30 II, a real evolution of the excellent E30, presenting many technical improvements allowing to reach even better sound performances. Dual DAC AK4493S, USB XMOS XU208 interface, optimized power supply...www.audiophonics.fr
Sabaj A10d Audio Desktop Dac AK4997EQ freeshipping - HiFi-express
Brand Name: Sabaj Type: Desktop DSD Sampling Frequencies: 2.8224 MHz (DSD64) DSD Sampling Frequencies: 5.6448 MHz (DSD128) DSD Sampling Frequencies: 11.2896 MHz (DSD256) DSD Sampling Frequencies:...hifi-express.com
SMSL SANSKRIT 10Th MKII DAC 32bit / 768kHz DSD512 USB XMOS AK4493 Black - Audiophonics
A super practical DAC at a low price to celebrate the 10 years of SMSL. Rotating screen according to the arrangement, control by remote control with volume: will work without a preamp.www.audiophonics.fr
For me is important to get as much as possible, in this price range, natural sound, deep low frequencies and wider sound stage.
Is any of these 4 DAC's is good option or it will be same as with Allo Boss 1.2v?
^That^ is a lot of gear for a “maybe”.
Galliardist
Addicted to Fun and Learning
At the risk of opening a jumbo sized container of wiggly things, I’m entirely surprised at the implication that you can even hear an insignificant difference.
In this price cathegory you can hardly hear the difference, and all these DACs belong here.
Trell
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But if they where more expensive you could hear a difference?
Have you seen this thread?
Audibility thresholds of amp and DAC measurements
Introduction A recurring theme on ASR is whether or not the various measured qualities of the devices are audible. In this post, I'll present some clear and visual thresholds for when those imperfections can be considered a potentially audible concern. I will not explain the basics of amp/DAC...
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