PMD100 + AD1862

[regal]

The PMD100+AD1862 combo is considered by many to be the best as far as digital reproduction. Do others agree ?

I know some swear by the newer 24/96/192 DAC's but I haven't been impressed by what I have heard. I think the analog stage is the most important piece to good digital. Most newer DAC's have the I/V built into the DAC chip which is a big compromise.

 

[Killercrush]

Can you name a few DAC with this combo ? I know there's the Audio Alchemy DDE v3.0...

 

[Herandu]

Quote:

Originally Posted by regal /img/forum/go_quote.gif The PMD100+AD1862 combo is considered by many to be the best as far as digital reproduction.

This is the first I ever heard of any such statement. It is of course not true in my opinion. The CS414/PCM1716 is the best as far as I am concerned.

 

[Jon L]

This is the strangest thing I've heard. Where did you hear that?
Even Audio Note, who often use the older 20-bit DAC chips, says they much prefer AD1865 to AD1862.

And most people prefer PMD200 to PMD100. I also like CS8416.

 

[regal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon L /img/forum/go_quote.gif This is the strangest thing I've heard. Where did you hear that? Even Audio Note, who often use the older 20-bit DAC chips, says they much prefer AD1865 to AD1862. And most people prefer PMD200 to PMD100. I also like CS8416.

Audio Note is saying that because they can't buy the AD1862 in production quantities. Just look at the specs, the AD1865 is inferior comparing datasheets. You have to listen to non-commercial opinions.

Jocko is probably the most respected digital designer on the web. The AD1862 is his favorite chip.

http://www.diyhifi.org/forums/viewto...?p=14448#14448


Also PMD100 vs PMD200, you can easily salvage a PMD from an old DAC. It is impossible to salvage a PMD200 because of its SMD package. Also they are a rare bird.

PCM1716 is a voltage output DAC! The I/V is built into the chip leaving no possibility for a fully discrete output stage.