Well then, we all know how strong the grip of this site is, but I finally broke down and grabbed something to serve as a strong source instead of lurking on the lowbie side of e-mus and micro dac (budget dedicated computer sources).
Now I have on my desk a spectacular device known as Stello DA100, upsampling DAC. Here I intend on gathering some impressions using units I previously owned comparing to this guy, and some other toys I got to try during the quiet hours at the meet =].
Features:
Well this device is very straightforward, which is partly the reason is is cheaper than its competition. Unlike DAC1 and DA10, the Stello has only single-ended output (dual RCA), and does not have an integrated headphone amplifier. While I certainly would technically love to have a balanced output as an option for the future, it is not something most users of my perspective will have any immediate use for (out of budget to go balanced). Another feature missing is a dedicated headphone amp, but that is one feature I see absolutely unnecessary, as on top of everything integrated amps are usually not that great and we end up using our own monstrosities.
The inputs on this guy are plentiful - 1 USB, Coax, and 2x Optical. The knob on the front allows to quickly switch between them. I am using USB as thats the only way I can do it, and frankly getting USB transport and using optical with it is self-defeating.
The digital data received by the DAC can either undergo and resampling process (to 192), or it can be bypassed. This function is also controlled by a neat switch in the front. It is then fed into AKM chip (AK4395VF as clarified by Andrew_WOT). The amplification stage (bog down, all DACs have them, they are just meant for buffering the signal) is Class A and gets fairly warm, but as we all know Class A is the best way to not compromise the SQ.
Included in the package was a power supply cable and a USB cable. There is also a manual, and a small allen wrench in case you are really eager to look inside. (Does that mean I will look inside? As soon as I can steal my roommate's good camera to show some pics).
Aesthetics
First thing that came to mind as I got to it in the box - whoa, this thing is MUCH bigger than I imagined. It has good 80% more on the Benchmark DAC1, and lets not compare it to the Micro DAC I used before this guy. Luckily I have plenty of desk space to give it a dedicated spot with plenty of air.
This thing is very neat in its looks, the aluminum chassis is textured, and the front panel is brushed. The 2 leds on the front are nicely visible when on but not distracting from the look. All corners are rounded, and there are small rubber feet to avoid damaging your furniture. There is nothing extra anywhere, which is a + in my book as I am a fan of neat minimalistic designs.
If someone's looking for a source to match the looks of one of the Darkvoices, this is it.
Set-up
Perfect. Plugged in and we got music, what else is there to say?
Sound
This part will take a bit of time, as besides everything I am still getting used to it. Two things I'll say right away: (1) it got plenty of detail and fairly pleasant sound-stage, (2) conforming with what Iron-Dreamer stated in his comparisons, the DA100 has a bit of emphasis in the low end, which can be very beneficial to some headphones (I am thinking w5000, sa5000, k701).
As more points come along, here is for reference my setup:
Stello DA100=>Guerilla Pure Copper ICs=>mb3k's Millet Hybrid=>AKG K240M
- Low end, deep, sweet deep bass =] From my experiments with various sources, in its price range Stello delivers the strongest bottom end.
- There is no sense of treble harshness, although this is part of this entire setup, I never experienced treble problems with it.
- Sound tends to have alot of presence, and the vocals seem to have an up-front stance like that of Audio-Technicas.
- Everything sounds more integrated, more specifically the different instrument parts. Example: Pink Floyd - Hey You. I got used to the
bass opening really standing out from the guitar riff, but this time it came in very fluently without putting the guitar arpeggio into the back.
- There is certain effortlessness to the sound of DA100, especially on crowded parts in orchestral or metal songs, where even highly distorted tones cut through neatly and accurately. And don't forget the bass-drums ;-)
- Vocals tend to be very neat and engaging without jumping too much forward. This comes back to everything being really integrated.
Conclusion:
After fair amount of listening and attempting to doubt the quality of this purchase, I am absolutely certain that the Stello DA100 is a keeper, especially for the price of $695. Its sound closely approaches that of much higher end sources, as long as you are feeding it well recorded music. It does not make poorly recorded stuff sound bad, but quality production is stellar to listen to. Highly recommended to all those looking for quality sound without breaking the budget.
There are additional impressions from Kaushama, and some pictures added by himself and Iron_Dreamer on the second page. Granted that, I think I will abstain from adding my own images as theirs do full justice to this unit =].
Stello DA100 (show-off/impressions thread)
Linear Mode
