Best way to test a dac?

[regal]

I like to run the udial clipping test, if a DAC clips there is a problem. After that I play a good drum solo, you can usually tell the better DAC in a few seconds of drum solo-ing.

 

[ezkcdude]

A/B only works if you listen at matched volume. And when I say "matched", I mean within 1 dB! Otherwise, the louder will most often sound better. The reason differences may become clearer with more time is that you adjust the volume on the DAC over several days or weeks, and the overall picture becomes more clear by listening to a wider range of volumes. Take home message: Match volumes or don't bother A/B/X testing.

 

[regal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ezkcdude A/B only works if you listen at matched volume. And when I say "matched", I mean within 1 dB! Otherwise, the louder will most often sound better. The reason differences may become clearer with more time is that you adjust the volume on the DAC over several days or weeks, and the overall picture becomes more clear by listening to a wider range of volumes. Take home message: Match volumes or don't bother A/B/X testing.

You can't match headphones to within 1db short of a micron level mic stand and an expensive SPL meter. I think it would be just short of impossible.

 

[hciman77]

Quote:

Originally Posted by regal You can't match headphones to within 1db short of a micron level mic stand and an expensive SPL meter. I think it would be just short of impossible.

I read somewhere that you could do it by testing the voltage output or some other electrical property ?

 

[PhilS]

It's nice to be able to match volume levels, but it is not absolutely essential, such that if you are not able to do it, that necessarily means that you cannot draw any opinions or conclusions about what you are hearing. For example, if a certain DAC or CD player sounds sibilant to me, it won't sound better at higher volume, but will sound worse. And other differences between CD players and DAC's are noticeable notwithstanding slightly different volumes.

 

[rincewind]

When comparing two DACs (or anything really), if you don't know the "test" music at all, and you can hear obvious differences in a small period of time (say, less than a minute), then the unit you prefer would be MUCH better for your overall system. Of course this should be done with a range of music (eg not just one piece of classical music or rock). By extrapolation, if you listen to the same two units with music you know very well, (and ideally, haven't heard on the "new" unit you are testing in your system), if you hear new sounds (pleasurable ones!) really jump out or a different signature or better separation of the instruments on the soundstage, or weightier bass or clearer highs (for example) then you are able to tell the difference of smaller details because of your existing familiarity with the music.

On the other hand, if you get two DACs that all in all, would perform very similarly in you're rig, you will have a hard time telling the difference with music you DO know well (where you should be able to pick out differences easier), and an even HARDER time telling differences with music you're unfamiliar with, as you've got a very weak point of reference.

It's all about comparison, and making sure you use music that is generally agreed as having been well recorded, and possibly most importantly, don't let anyone else's opinions sway yours! If possible do the comparisons by yourself, with music you've chosen (both familiar and unfamiliar, when you are relaxed, and on a rig that you've been listening to for at least a few months straight with no change). That should give a strong a reference point as possible.

 

[varro]

I listened how you told me, (for example hours the aqvox and then suddenly turned the switch on my amp for emu0404). I will be returning the dac, there is possibly a small difference but its so small that I dont think its worth the 800 euros. Possibly the amp is at fault, maybe I will try some new dac again when I buy the firstwatt, or something similar. Thanks for your replies!

 

[regal]

You made the right decision. There is so much hype and outright dishonesty in audio products especially in the $800 to $1500 price range. It is really good to see some honesty posted here.

You may want to try a NOS Dac they were developed more from a grassroots effort than a commercial endeavor. I find they do sound different, I like their sound, some don't, but it would be worth a try if you want to upgrade again.

 

[hciman77]

Quote:

Originally Posted by varro I listened how you told me, (for example hours the aqvox and then suddenly turned the switch on my amp for emu0404). I will be returning the dac, there is possibly a small difference but its so small that I dont think its worth the 800 euros. Possibly the amp is at fault, maybe I will try some new dac again when I buy the firstwatt, or something similar. Thanks for your replies!

If you cannot discern a meaningful difference you might be best to save your money and buy music or other toys. 800 Euros buys a lot of goodies.

Blaming the amp is a cop out. Any significant difference between sources will be readily apparent with any half decent amp/headphones.