My SIX favourite DACs
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- čas přidán 9. 06. 2024
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🎥 Camera: John Darko / Olaf von Voss
🎬 Editor: John Darko
🌈 Colour: Olaf von Voss
🕺🏻 Motion GFX: John Darko
💰 Ad segment: Jana Dagdagan
🎵 Song IDs? Playlists of all music heard in this video - and other videos - can be found on PATREON: / johndarko
0:00 Intro
2:51 Topping D10s
6:14 Chord Mojo 2
10:50 Denafrips Ares II
12:46 Chord Hugo 2
15:22 Lyngdorf TDAI-3400
16:55 Mola Mola Tambaqui
👉 Further information...
Topping D10s video review
📺 darko.audio/2020/11/topping-d...
Chord Mojo 2 video 'review'
📺 darko.audio/2022/12/the-chord...
Denafrips Ares II video review
📺 darko.audio/2021/06/denafrips...
Chord Hugo 2 video review
📺 darko.audio/2020/04/chord-2go...
Lyngdorf TDAI-3400 video review
📺 darko.audio/2023/05/lyngdorf-...
Mola Mola Tambaqui video review
📺 darko.audio/2020/08/mola-mola...
Room treatment by Vicoustic
📖 vicoustic.com/
👉 Shopping...
Topping D10s
🛒 amzn.to/44UKr1v
Chord Mojo 2
🛒 www.audioadvice.com/chord-moj...
Chord Hugo 2
🛒 www.audioadvice.com/chord-hug...
Cables and power products by AudioQuest
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Hi-fi furniture and speaker stands by Solid Steel
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Darko.Audio may earn a small commission from items purchased via affiliate links, which are indicated with a '🛒'.
#DACs #hifi #audiophile
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I like the RME ADI-2-DAC FS with balanced xlr outputs, superb DAC
I have had the Merason Frerot DAC for a while, I auditioned several other DACs including the Ares II but I fell for the simplicity and sound signature of the Frerot. I doubt I will ever change it out. Would be nice to see you review it!
This might be my favorite Darko video yet. Priorities and personal perspectives about what represents a value proposition. A lot to take away.
John, your comments on the relative influence of rooms, speakers, amps and then finally between DACs really hit the nail on the head for me, based on my own much more limited experience, thanks for that
Dear John,
For more than 30 years I have been a lover of good sounding music. I have built up a nice set based on class A amplifiers over the years. I upgraded the 16 bit old CD drives and the Sonos connect by starting with external DACs. Your videos have helped tremendously in that quest. In addition to a Cambridge DacMagic 100 and a Topping E30, I now have a Cambridge 851D (unfortunately no longer made) and a Sonos Port. The latter streamer is not the most expensive thing you can buy, but it plays with Apple music without any problems. Still, in my opinion, everything sounds significantly better than many other devices because the basics in amplifiers and speakers (Focal) are in order. I've tried Tidal and Qobuz, but they don't add anything for me, and indeed, usually CD quality is fine. Keep it up!
DAC's are an important part of the chain. Especially when you have high end gear that does not obfuscate what the dac is able to do.
Top 6 DACs, I’ve ever heard are
1. Mola Mola Tambaqui
2. Playback Designs MPD-8
3. DCS Lina DAC
4. Chord Dave
5. DCS Bartok
6. Chord TT2
Its just your take we come for, Darko! Many thanks for being cheerful as ever!
Like you said, sound is subjective and everyone is chasing a particular sound to their ears.
That being said, I appreciate your perspective and enjoy your videos
You are very kind and lots of fun to watch! Thanks for everything!!!
I have the Gustard R26 DAC. It blends the filament bulby-warm sound of an R2R DAC, and the clearness of a chip DAC, but without the associated harshness and glare. A bit of both that is, like a good red wine cuvee. Expresses itself well with all music genres…
Yep the Gustard is getting very good reviews. It is a third more expensive than Ares though. And if my name was Gus, I'd be very annoyed.
Right now the Denafrips Terminator + has stolen my heart. It’s ability to present music in a grandiose, yet relaxing way is incredibly addicting.
I just would like to tell you the music you use in the videos are just delightful ❤️ thank you for the video.
That first song had a strong Com Truise vibe.
I've tried a ton of Dacs from Pegasus to smsl 400.
Geshelli Labs has impressed me the most and is my go-to.
The J2 is fantastic, and now they have newer models coming out that should be a step above.
That and the owners are amazing people
Love my JNOG2 DAC! Sweet to my ears. Also have a modi 3. But the JNOG2 is so good the modi has been relegated to my office stereo.
Thanks John, excellent video, as always 👍🏼
I have been using the topic ever since I saw it in your review and I‘m loving it. It drives two 4ohm loud speakers. Works perfectly fine.
Yes, have spend a lot of time with the Tambaqui at my vacation job last year (high end store) and it is indeed a piece of absolute sonic art. Even compared to much more expensive devices (like the Linn Klimax DSM). ❤
I love that the internet has become so dense John needs to disclaim to us like we are 5 years old… because we are really :)
You are correct. However John’s speaking down to us does get quite old nonetheless. Wish his tone was a bit more friendly.
Too many are, sadly. "Attention viewers. This is about DACs. That's DACs. DACs. Once again..."
You might be.
Just to clear things up, I’m six!
John’s speech to us is because he reads the comments and the droll trolls.
@@rockyholliday7311 I think his tone is appropriate to the message here. People way, way overstate the differences between DACs and the internet seems awash with highly opinionated ‘whatabouters’.
Well done John. I’m in the hunt for a dac. So many factors involved. It’s information overload.
Great video. Currently have a Hugo 2 and it's got such an addictive sound.
I love how John is losing his schiit with people’s comments, before they’ve even commented 😂
Recently upgraded headphones and now I find it much easier to identify the best sounding cables or DAC. Then when I play through the speakers, it sounds great. It ensures that I'm not choosing a DAC, cables and speakers to compensate for the room for example.
RME ADI 2 is missing in this list...it is going to be difficult to find any DAC at any price point that can deliver as many options and settings to tune sound exactly to everyone's very much different and subjective liking than the RME, so even though I understand this video's list of favorites is not mine, I would argue that this is precisely the reason why the RME would have deserved to be on it - because it can pretty much satisfy anybodies needs
I agree..single ended or balanced outputs, PEQ options, adjustable/variable tone controls, the ability to adjust the output voltage to better match whatever preamp or amp one pairs with it. This has proved wonders with tube preamps or tube amps when I use the RME as preamp. Obviously the RME has more intricate options like dual EQ but I mentioned the ones I find very useful..oh, I almost forgot the variable/frequency adjustable Loudness button. On top of all these functions the Dac is transparent/dynamic. It really is a good value in hifi if these type of options are meaningful to you.
My previous DAC was the CAD 1543 mk2 which saw off the Chord Dave (with and without mscaler), the mola mola and the dCS Bartok (v1 and 2 but pre-apex). It was finally replaced by the dCS Rossini apex which I now have with the Rossini master clock. This is the best dac I have heard.
Great video John. Lots of very valuable insights. I thought it was very interesting you mentioned the room correction software in the Lindorff does more to change the sound than any of the DACS you mentioned. This matches with my experience with my Arcam AVR 30. The Dirac room correction software really improves the sound, even for 2 channel stereo. This has cured my upgrade bug...for DACs at least😊
"Financial Situation" .... :-) Nice review to include that criteria. Thanks Darko, as informative as usual.
John, it's been more than 3 years since your initial review of the Chord Hugo 2 with the 2Go streamer combo. Have there been any advances with software for gapless playback from the MicroSD with this setup? In that review 3 years ago, you bemoaned the 'current' situation with apps when using gapless, MicroSD playback.
Have any apps improved the situation, here in mid 2023? (or anyone else in the comments section that uses this setup right now, please chime in)
Thanks so much!
Great video. I just bought the Eversolo DMP-A6 (upgraded from the FiiO R7 in my home office) and I'm loving it so far.
Onto the top 6
In no specific order:
Topping D10 Balanced (I used this with my headphone amp when I started getting into separates for headphone use)
PS Audio DirectStream (out dated now with the MK II out)
Auralic Vega (gen 1) was to me, better than the PS Audio DS
Chord Qutest (I got this used for $1200 AUD) Amazing little DAC. I've since added the M Scaler and WOW
Denafrips Terminator Plus WOW I was blown away with this (I got this on loan for a week)
Chord Dave with M Scaler and upgraded PSU. For me, this is my end game DAC (until a Dave 2 comes out) I was lucky enough to borrow one from a friend who was looking at selling it. I had it 2hrs and said I'll buy it (with the stand) for a GREAT price.
I've owned 17 DACs and these are my 6 favourites
John, have you tried the two firmware upgrades for the Ares II? v1.6 and v1.8 added a lot of detail, bass control and timbre. Game changer really. Best part is that its free!
Great presentation! I’m not as hung up on ‘the best’ as I used to be, and I totally get that it’s your personal list. In other words, it’s your report of what you’ve kept from what you’ve tried. I find it very valuable, personally; as I evaluate gear as much for features as for performance. I’m trying to build my system, with my gear, to suit my needs and desires. Starting to work on my room, then I’ll probably go back through my gear again.
I got one of those Topping D10's and love it. It was an excellent purchase.
Finally this type of video again, I have longed for a video like this since your video on the D10s which was featured in your 3 part video series on DACs where u showed that cheap DACs can be made better by adding an ifi smps to them.
It's always great to see other people's choices of hifi equipment and this video was no exception. My DAC choices would be the Chord Cutest, Chord TT 2, Chord DAVE, DCS Bartok, DCS Rossini apex, DCS Vivaldi apex. My end game DAC will be the Chord TT 2, with the upscaler. Perfectly sufficient for my system and sounds incredible for the money.
Great list John, I love my Mojo 2, sounds great and is extremely versatile. Techno sounds great through it!
I find it kinda amusing that four of your favorites are in daily (almost) use in my listening room! Those would be the Topping D10, Chord Mojo, Chord Hugo2 and the Denafrips Ares II. However, i have chosen the Auralic Vega G2.1 as my favorite DAC, which really benefits from it's streaming interface (like the Tambaqui). I do have another favorite though, in the more affordable spectrum, and thats the Audiobyte Black Dragon. A terrific sounding DAC with volume control and a surprisingly good headphone socket. Really intriguing desing also with filtering done through FPGA programming and only simple DAC duties by a pair of AKM chips!
Great vid about your fav DACs! Looking forward to your thoughts on the Eversolo DMP-A6 (using and not using its internal DAC). Enjoying mine so far and wanted to know if it’s worth it to buy an external DAC (not considering room treatment, speakers, and/or amplifier first) for even better sound?
A few years ago I gave my listening room a full treatment using G.I.K panels and bass traps. Best decision I ever made in regards to sound improvement and far better than any component change.
Always a pleasure to listen to your balanced opinions.
John thanks for responding to viewer demand and reviewing the DMP A6 !
Looking forward to it, even though it's unlikely i'm going to buy it, as i'm really happy with my Wiim into external DAC set up. However i've been totally intrigued by this unit ever since it hit the market. It's such a great looking product!
I can only hope he gives his thoughts on what the master edition version hardware might offer if he doesn't love the standard model. I almost sold 9n the Eversolo so I hope he has decent words for it.
I stream from my MacBook Pro M1 Max via through the custom internal DAC in my MARANTZ SA10 SACD Player. It sounds fantastic!
Awesome video John - a feat of skill and nuance to contextualize deltas between DACs, delta between DACs and other hifi components (not least the room if listening through speakers), all in the context of an individual's disposable income. ..I'd love a Tambaqi but my Mojo2 is good (enough) for me (for now)! Kudos to you.
What a great and enjoyable video 😎👌
The difference between DACs can indeed be night and day when comparing within the same system and optimized room environment. Ps, glad you went with the Mola Mola Tambaqui, it is most definitely the master of music reproduction.
I appreciate that you tell your viewers that the DAC should be the last component to buy in your system. It’s important for your system is optimized to realize the DAC is the final component needed.
I’m a fan of tubes and the Xduoo TA26 is the only DAC that takes 12au7 tubes. The tube with the most variety and quantity of unique sound signatures.
One DAC to mention is the SMSL VMV D1SE. It’s suuuch a sweet DAC. I managed to get one at a discount before the new D1SE2 was launched.
In comparison, it blows the Eversolo DMP-A6’s DAC not only out of the water, but off the planet. It just does everything right, in every way and in every gengre. I actually stopped thinking about gear and just listen to album after album in pleasant awe.
If you can get your hands on one, try it.
My system:
Eversolo DMP-A6
SMSL VMV D1SE
Rega Elex-r
Wharfedale Linton 85th
Chord Clearway x cables: speaker, interconnects and USB
Monosaudio power cables
Thanks John,
You are one of the very very few reviewers to point out that the main reason for XLR balanced connections is for long runs of cables. I have three very fine integrated amps. The Crayon CFA 1.2, the Crayon CIA 1T, and the Enleum 23R (before the Enleum, I had the Bakoon 13R) and none of these have balanced inputs.
John I listened to your excellent interview with Rob Watts and it was that which convinced me to buy the mojo 2 for portable duties and to run my Wiim pro streamer in my main system and bypass my integrated’s internal dac. So glad I did, there’s just so much more ‘music’ and instruments sound so real-acoustics are mind blowing. I stream Tidal, QOBUZ and Roon and everything sounds clear and rhythmic with bags of detail and plenty of soundstage. The clincher for me was when you discussed how he voiced the dac and he’s said he did hundreds of listening tests which he relied on more than measurements and to me, it definitely explains why this little bit of kit is so phenomenal. Please keep up the great honest reviews. Best.
Yes, mind blowing was the word I used. I just bought a used Mojo and its the best £100 I've spent. I liked the sound of my WiiM Pro Plus dac, but the Mojo does a much,much better job, far exceeding my expectations.
Theres lots of other factors that will effect how you perceive sound when you hear it. Your mood, temperature, time of day, fatigue and what you have listened to before.
Your own hearing can affect your opinion on sound quality.
We have to remember John will A,B switch between gear over and over to pick out tiny nuances in sound quality.
Its more so a gear hobby rather than a sound quality hobby.
Id say pick something in your price range and something you like the look of and enjoy your music. Get into the music again rather than the gear but there is nothing wrong with loving gear and hobbyism too.
I do like the honesty in johns videos as he will say when things are not night and day different or sometimes not even needed.
Love your channel, John. I'm using a Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital for headphone listening with my Sennheiser HD6xx. I have no other reference since I have not heard other DACS. I envy you being able to try out many different types of equipment.
I have an Apogee Duet from a few years ago and, honestly, the main reason I keep it is that it lets me toggle between my desk monitors and headphones with a single press of a button. I was surprised how difficult it was to find something that let me do this without unplugging cables or fiddling round the back.
Another thoughtfully created video. That said, I'll be sticking with my dCS Bartok. Cheers!
Darko you are a hero. I needed a solid USB to SPDIF converter that could sit on my desk and the Topping D10s is the perfect choice to sit between my windows workstation and my Kanto YU4 speakers. Yeah, I also have a $12 USB to SPDIF dongle, but the Topping is a device that should last many years. Cheers!
Perfect, as usual, John! What are your six “favourite” streaming DACs.
Your focus on room treatments is extremely important. Good show
Excellent summary. And my own preferences, in ascending order of preference (and based on personal experience):
1. Arcam AVR20 (ESS9026Pro). For a built-in DAC in an AV receiver, this is well designed and provides excellent staging, clarity and detail
2. Gustard A26. Definitely a step up, extended bass, presence and spatial cues. In my case, unreliable and poorly supported by Gustard
3. Teac UD-701n. If you can find one, this has a fantastic build and sound quality for the price. Lots of options, and needs a deal of 'running in' to give its best. No support from Teac however (in the UK at least). Probably the best bangs-per-buck of all of the discrete DACs in this list.
4. Chord Dave. A big jump in price, but fantastic level of detail and imaging. To my mind, lacks the ultimate presence and musicality of…
5. Dcs Bartok (pre-Apex version). With the right system, provides just a stunning level of openness, control, imaging, staging, detail and just plain listenability. Only (for my tastes) trumped by…
6. Yep, the Mola Mola Tambaqui. I can't really add much to what's already been written about this DAC, but just wow, and for all types of music. Expensive yes, but I'd never have believed that a DAC could make so much difference to the enjoyment of music. Which surely is what it's all about?
Great video. Thanks for the Humanoid EP suggestion. I enjoy a meaty sounding DAC and my currently owned favorite's are the Lampizator Baltic 4 DAC which has a enormous soundstage and allows for tube rolling to tweak the sound and flavour of sound subtly , and then the more affordable IFI Neo DAC with LPS due to its flexibility with inputs and head phone output.
A brilliant group review but, far more importantly, a good dose of sanity to dispel the craziness that ensues when attempting to choose a dac based on separate dac reviews.
Excited to have found a used Topping D10s on Amazon for $65. I can't wait to slot it in between my iMac and humble vintage Scott 325R receiver in my career station at work. Hoping to hear a difference through headphones as much as anything else. Thank you for the review!
John, I love the tone of this video! It's straightforward, no-nonsense opinion and information. Leave all of the nonsense at the door and get on with sharing your hi-fi priorities and choices! Rock on!
Thanks you, John!
Another great post. No quibbles from me.😊
In my DAC journey, I learned that being able to switch inputs from TV to streamer with a remote was a must-have feature. I had a Schiit Modi Multibit for years, but when I upgraded to a Topping E70 this year, I found that my listening probably increased by 75%. I can't say it sounds better or worse, but it made me realize my priorities were not in line with most of the budget DAC market. I respect that all of Darko's selections have unique features that keep them in use, and I thought it was interesting that we got more than halfway through the list before we saw anything with a remote control (I think).
Thumbs up for that intro music alone lol
Mojo 2 sounds great but also it is a mobile phone signal noise hell when you are on the go.
I had an Ares II for 2 years, it is such a wonderful R2R DAC and at a price point where most people can join in. I'm glad that I don't use speakers, because then I had to buy the Lyngdorf...
Nice roundup. Also, those balanced outputs can come in handy with their higher voltages when you have an amp with very low gain.
Now you’re sarcastic! Love it! Thanks John! Great job for this video.
I’m using the Lyngdorf 3400 as a streamer-dac only in my system. The RP takes this DAC to a level that event the very best(most expensive) can only dream off.
Presumably the 1120 can do this too? I'm on the cusp of adding a more grunty amp to mine.
My top 6:
1- Topping dx3 pro+ (200€)
2- my Micromega Mydac from 2015 (300€)
3- the dac on the Bluesound Node X (700€)
4- Audiolab 8300 CDQ (1300€)
5- Denafrips Pontus 12th (2400€)
6- Moon 280D Mind2 (3900€)
Please tell me more about the sound of the node X :)
the only external DAC I know well is my Cambridge DAC Magic Plus that has been a workhorse for several years. Balanced outputs sound great. I use different filters for my streaming vs. CDs; I use an old Musical Fidelity A3.2 CD player as a transport which is built like a tank. As you point out, for upgrades I'm going to upgrade my speakers before I feel the need to update my DAC.
I’m currently using an audio interface as a dac and have a small vinyl and cd collection. I love the convenience of streaming however the sound that CDs give give me goosebumps it’s so good. Definitely upgrading to an actual dac.
What interface, was thinking of doing the same?
Hello, i like your way of thinking Hifi and how you do your reviews! I don’t have six dacs, but four:
1- Lector Digicode s192
2- Rose Rs150
3- Lector Digitube
4- Hegel HD 25
Lector Audio Strumenti is not known by youtube reviewers, but their DACs are really majestic.
I kept the same Topping D2 DAC for like 10 years because I didn't think upgrading would make much of a difference. I found out how incredibly wrong I was when I moved to an SMSL M500. The imaging was just so much better I couldn't believe it.
The DAC I use with my computer only has a SPDIF in so I use an ARMATURE Hecate XMOS Xcore 208 USB SPDIF Asynchronous Interface which allows me to use a better DAC with the computer. I rely on my computer to do all things digital.
Another excellent video 🙏
John, thumbs up on the video and the channel. You mention the Topping screen and how you appreciate that you can see the streaming quality. With the next few dacs, you mention the importance of listening. I agree 100% with that. You must listen. My question is--do you lose the need for the screen on the higher end dacs? I didn't sound like you were concerned with the screen past the Topping. Thank you for the time and education!!
I was kind of reading that as whenever John is in a situation with gear that might be doing some weird up/down scaling, he could toss in the Topping and have it show him any funny business. I could be wrong, though.
Qudelix 5k here, great little portable bluetooth/usb dac. Runs my hd600 and iems fine, downloadable eq corrections available for most popular headphones. With some planar iems im pretty happy without breaking the bank.
Nicely done ✅
Great video! Did I not see you with a set of KEF R3 Meta? When is that review coming?
Great, great, great video, well done John. Next step should be “my favourite six source-dac-amplifier-speakers combo”?
Most honest audio advice on yt…
Looking sharp John!
great info. agree... DACs are VERY similar. I did a DAVE vs 1000 dac... could barely tell a difference.
You've probably forgotten the no less famous Chord Qutest, and the Rme Adi 2-FS...
Excellent machines ! 😉
A good video. Thank you.
Well done John!
Love my Topping D10s for home use, the sample rate info is very useful imho...
I recently picked up a ifi go blu, it has an audio annoucer for the codec/sample rate info, (works as a usb or bluetooth dac/amp) and also has plenty of power to drive my HE4XX's
“But please make sure it’s six” Thats a power move right there 😅. From everything I have come across I’ve got three favourites. Mojo 2, Pontus 2, and Venus 2. Yes, I’m noticing a pattern. Would love to check out that Mola-Mola at some point. Maybe once they come out with Tambaqui II 😂
Time for you to go to the Terminator 2 😆
@@11RESERVERED it’s on my radar!
As an Ares 2 owner I would love to see your comparison between Mola Mola and Terminator, I agree with almost everything you said nice analysis .....
Best DAC for me is one with full Dirac to help deal with those room issues!! Minidsp do a range of products at different price points.
Thanks for the vid, John! Great content as usual! Would you consider another bracket next time for a budget DAC with a remote? I think a lot of people actually have their tv also connected to their stereo system, and would like to remotely change inputs.
I have one separate dac. A topping d50s. In my bedroom with a Wiim mini. Tube amp and diy speakers. My Hegel h90 have one pretty good inside. Must do a a\b test and take Wiim+d50 to the basement and listen if the d50 Is better. Some day. Ty for the video.
I agree with your idea that this is your list. My dac needs were simple. I just wanted an external dac to use with my cd player. No streaming. I went with the Schiit Modi Multibit that was a definite improvement over the onboard dac. Also I prefer vinyl so I didn't want to spend a lot on a dac. Thanks for your perspective.
Thanks John, love your work and really enjoyed this “favorite 6” format. Would there be an opportunity to do this for turntable?
DAC’s do confuse me, but I was looking at a Schitt, but you made a good point with the topping, my ocd would appreciate the display for sure.
I know it's a very new product, but man I love the Ferrum Wandla. I use it as a preamp into a power amp, as well as into the Ferrum Oor for headphone listening. It's been very enjoyable.
I love my Ares 2,I can live happy with it for many years...
Have you tried the firmware upgrades?
Always fun hearing other peoples favourite lists, it's a High Fidelity moment!
The hifi no1 man on You Tube. Thanks for your choice 6 reviews. Sold on the Denafrips.
Thank you for bringing up the Room.....🥰as number one ...as it's often soooooo overlooked....Room acoustics matter.... 😅listening to music🎹 in an ech😯o chamber🤣.........
Bifrost 2 here. It's for sure my last DAC, barring breakdown. I agree that speakers and such make a more significant difference. I have no plans to upgrade anything in my system but, someday I could see a change of speakers.