Stello DAC Comparison

[nkoulban]

I just auditioned a Stello DA100, DA100 signature and a DA220 Mk II.

Although not exhustive it highligted some of the differences between them.
Basically, the DA100 Signature and the DA220 MkII sounded very close, the only diferences where minor such as slightly more smoother and slighter better soundstage for the DA220. The DA100 was not far behind the other two, sounding less smooth again and its bass also was not as deep or refined.

I also tried out my Musliand MD10 and Matching SRC10 upsampler and as good as the Musliand is for the price, the Stello gear was in a different league soniclly.

This comparison made it clear what great value the DA100 and DA100 Signature are. As far as I'm concerned, the DA100 Siganture is so close to the DA220 II that I'm ordering one.

 

[Andrew_WOT]

Thanks for impressions, wondering if non-perfectly matched volume or different burn in time contributed to the difference you heard.
Not to question that you heard some but there are some evidences that they might sound if not the same but very very close.
http://www.head-fi.org/forums/2507538-post45.html
Anyway, DA100 or Signature seems to be really the greatest bang for the buck nowadays.

 

[olblueyez]

Love mine, couldn't be happier. Thanks to your recommendations Andrew.

 

[musicmind]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew_WOT /img/forum/go_quote.gif Thanks for impressions, wondering if non-perfectly matched volume or different burn in time contributed to the difference you heard. Not to question that you heard some but there are some evidences that they might sound if not the same but very very close. http://www.head-fi.org/forums/2507538-post45.html Anyway, DA100 or Signature seems to be really the greatest bang for the buck nowadays.

IronDreamer is referring to the DA220, whereas nkoulban has auditioned the DA220 mkII. I don't know if these two differ in sound.

nkoulban, did you compare the DACs all in SE mode or did you use the Sig and DA220 mkII with balanced output?

 

[nkoulban]

All DACs where in SE mode going through an amp and speakers (not cans). As I said, this test was not exhaustive but the DA100S and DA220 II where so close, the extra expense of the 220 II was not worth it for me. In addition, the DA100S's small footprint and balanced outs sealed this for me.

 

[nkoulban]

I just tried my Stello Da100S balanced to my Headroom balanced headphone amp and I reckon the DAC in the Headroom balanced sounds much better. Only kidding... the Stello DA100S kicks ass!!!! I was not prepared for how much better the Stello sounded compared to the Headroom onboard DAC. Better soundstage, more detail, more air, deeper bass. I can't wait for the Stello to burn-in. This confirmed my listening impressions that the DA100S is only a notch below the DA220 II in SQ, yet it is half the price... nice.

 

[renatov]

nkoulban

have you had a chance to use the i2s input?