Headphones too resolving, considering a "warm" DAC to mask bad recordings

[regal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kramer5150 Is it just me or... is this line of thinking taking it the wrong direction? Wouldn't it make more sense to replace the poor source material? ????? anyways... fwiw, I find the HF1 and K240s do a good job of masking poor recordings.

That's not always possible. Try replacing 5/18/1977 Led Zeppelin in San Diego, the performance is incredible but it was only recorded on a battery powered nak cassette deck so there's little SQ.

 

[gevorg]

Equalization/DSP is a great idea for bad recordings, especially if you're using computer as a source/transport.

 

[Elephas]

The non-oversampling DACs I've used are less detailed than the regular DACs. Any of the Mhdt Lab DACs might suit your purpose. I currently have a Constantine USB Plus that I think is better than the Dialogue II or Moodlab Dice.

The lower detail level, smoothness and relative warmth do make some pop or early recordings sound better to me.

Besides another DAC, you might also consider power and cabling issues.

 

[jandl100]

You could try changing interconnect or digital cables. The carbon hybrid VdH cables (e.g. First, Second or Integration) have a soft, warm sound that many "laid back" listeners enjoy. I'd imagine these would do the job nicely. ... You could then change cables & sound easily for non-aggressive recordings by going back to your other cables.

 

[rumatt]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elephas The non-oversampling DACs I've used are less detailed than the regular DACs. Any of the Mhdt Lab DACs might suit your purpose. I currently have a Constantine USB Plus that I think is better than the Dialogue II or Moodlab Dice..

What other DAC's have you compared the Constantine to? I'd be curious to hear your impressions, as I'm considering the Constantine and/or Parasidea.

 

[NotoriousBIG_PJ]

All my clipping recordings go to my shuffle->ksc35 setup. on top of that I use xplay which is much less detailed then the itunes software/firmware lol. I can't hear 80% of the clipping hehe.

Biggie.