New to this site, been on Ak for years. Really enjoyed this thread.
I have tried a number of DAC's in my system, including 3 Schiit MB's, and settled on NOS, or NOS like (tubed Maverick Audio D1 Plus w/upgrades and Tesla Tube/Sparko upgrades).
Speakers in both my system are upgraded ESS AMT3's w/Great Heils, and upgraded bass drivers and crossovers. H/K amplification/preamps.
The transient response of this speaker is excellent, with sealed bass (my mods), and sealed transition/midbass driver. Low ESR crossovers my mods). The Great Heil speaks for itself in speed and accuracy. Braced and vibration treated enclosures (my mods).
I was intrigued by the DAC3, as I have been using a Project DAC Box S Fl, that except for the quad 1543T chips, and lack of USB input and batteries, is very much the same design philosophy. Built like a solid tank. It benefits from being on a hour or so before listening. I think these chips like to be warm and stabilized. The FL, and DAC 3 are deadly quiet in all modes. The Maverick D1 is pretty good too.
Surprising the Maverick sounds very close to both of these, with the Project with the most refinement. Again, they both have to be left on for at least a hour, otherwise the sound is off. I think a outboard power supply is a must. Stable voltage, and quiet.
The USB Disrupter ( clean outboard USB power supply that cuts the computers 5 volt off completely at the DAC) is a worthy investment. But I found the biggest difference on the Maverick D1, and keep it on that. As with the D1, if found the DAC benefits from a USB cable that TOTALLY isolates the signal and power wire. The Wireworld Ultraviolet does this, and makes a huge difference on the USB. It now sounds just like the optical and coax. The Wireworld Chroma does this as well, at a less expensive price, with out a silver signal wire.
I would highly recommend this to all DAC 3 owners. Its night and day. Get them on Amazon.
I do think NOS really requires the right system. I never have felt the treble lacking, of soft in any way. Just the opposite. The flow of all the frequencies is very much like how you would hear it live. The tone and flow. I would not necessarily call it analog. just natural, detailed and satisfying. Like listening to a good life performance, that's setup well.
So I have to question some saying it's not a accurate portrayal of the program material. It depends on your taste. I find super high def audio to sound totally unnatural. It's addicting at first, like Schiit MB DACS. But you find yourself listening less and less to your system. So what's the point?
To me that speaks of negatives types of distortion, that are having a huge impact on the listening experience.
At $118 plus shipping it's a real bargain IMHO. The FL runs you $299. The Maverick D1, slightly more with upgrades (it's also more of a preamp).
I think specs are a starting point. With NOS the real distortion takes place out of the audio band, not in the 20-20 range.
I also agree with the poster on having a quiet system, and power lines. It can make a big difference it what your hearing.
Again, I can't stress enough the isolated power wire in the USB cable.
I never thought it would make such a huge difference. More then any interconnect swap I have made over the years.
As well as letting the 1543T chip warm up, and stabilize before you listen to it. It sounds much different cold.
http://box-designs.com/inhalt/en/reviews/PJ-BD-DACBoxSFL-Review-Stereo-1214-EN.pdf
http://box-designs.com/main.php?prod=dacboxsfl