SW1X DACs and more

[L0rdGwyn]

Deleted.

 

[George Hincapie]

Well, I think the NOS R2R tube output DAC is a somewhat niche segment of the market, those who have heard these DACs feel there is something there worth paying a premium for. Implementation will be just as important as the chip itself. The scarcity and reputation of the TDA1541 likely adds to the intrigue rather than detracts from it, like other scarce and highly sought-after components. One need not pay £4K for a NOS R2R tube output DAC unless they are seeking a more premium offering, and there are even cheaper options than SW1X's entry-level model from the likes of MHDT Labs, or the Border Patrol, like you mentioned. As far as why I went with SW1X - word of mouth from people I trust. I also like Slawa's design philosophy of using high-quality signal path components.

If you're happy, then I'm happy for you.

I guess my thought process is that it just seems, on the face of it, a lot for what it is in comparison to similar products from other manufacturers. I don't mind paying a premium if the product is right (my main system DAC is a Metrum Acoustics Adagio); but I am always on guard for the possibility of overly paying premium prices if you follow me.

I'm in the UK, in Buckinghamshire. Do you audition yours at home before buying it?

 

[chrisdrop]

If you're happy, then I'm happy for you.

I guess my thought process is that it just seems, on the face of it, a lot for what it is in comparison to similar products from other manufacturers. I don't mind paying a premium if the product is right (my main system DAC is a Metrum Acoustics Adagio); but I am always on guard for the possibility of overly paying premium prices if you follow me.

I'm in the UK, in Buckinghamshire. Do you audition yours at home before buying it?

FWIW - I'm in the UK too, in London, and when I was shopping for DACs I went to SW1X and listened to my DAC-of-the-moment vs several SW1X DACs. I also had a Lampi DAC at home for a period to in-home audition/comparison. Slawa @ SW1X would also allow you to return the DAC in the end if you didn't like it at home. I'd heard a large number of DACs before (including all the Chord stuff) and at the end of the day, I thought the SW1X sounded the best. IMO if more people heard SW1X DACs, they would be more widely known. In particular, if he had a bigger presence in the US, he'd be more popular. I've met various other SW1X owners all of which had come from other nice DACs and are now solid SW1X fans.

Notwithstanding COVID - go see Slawa and listen. I bet you would be happily impressed.

 

[L0rdGwyn]

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[leftside]

I know and appreciate that individual wallets and tastes vary, but this seems like a lot of money for a DAC based on an old (and fast becoming scarce) chip. There are other options which are (apparently) excellent and cost much less based on the same technology, such as the Audial S4. I think the Border DAC also uses tubes and the same chip.

If I was going to drop £4K on a DAC I'd be looking at the Metrum Acoustics Pavane, or the Chord Hugo TT2.

There's a few of us on here who've gone the custom or small manufacturer (SW1X for example) route and feel we get much bigger bang for the buck when it comes to components used and overall design. Chord would have to sell the SW1X at a substantially higher price than Slawa due to marketing costs and salaries for their sales guys and other employees.

 

[L0rdGwyn]

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[chrisdrop]

Well it didn't take me very long to decide to "upgrade", now will be getting the DAC II STD rather than DAC I STD. In terms of my analog signal chain, the prices will now be comparable, so a more apples-to-apples comparison I suppose.

I will be going with the 5687/E182CC tube loadout as opposed to 6N6P (they are near-equivalents, biggest difference is the pinout). Currently in talks with Slawa on the tube rectification. My understanding is the stock amplifier is GZ34 compatible, however there are DHD "options", so we will see what that means.

I will also be keeping the stock PIO coupling caps as opposed to the Audio Note Copper Foil. Hard for me to justify paying for a cap upgrade I could do myself, but likely would void any warranty, perhaps I would run it by Slawa first.

Of course DAC II price is significantly higher than the DAC I, but fortunately I put down my deposit back in 2019 to "lock in" the price before two consecutive price increases, very happy I made the decision to do that at the time.

I also initially expected to go DAC1. When I went and listened, I liked DAC1 but thought DAC2 was quite a noticeable upgrade that was "within reach" (as opposed to DAC7000 for all the monies, which would make me cry from happiness, then die from poverty). I did add the Audio Note copper caps, but I can't say really what difference they made. Certainly all happiness with my DAC2 which I'm sure you'll be enjoying "soon". May the international postal gods be kind!

 

[chrisdrop]

Just saw this today. DAC III review.

The SW1X DAC III is quite simply one of the best DACs I have ever heard, perhaps even the best. If musical engagement factor with digital playback is the metric, then it is far and away the best DAC I have auditioned in my system.

 

[L0rdGwyn]

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[chrisdrop]

"If musical engagement factor with digital playback is the metric, then it is far and away the best DAC I have auditioned in my system."

That's a strong endorsement. Some DACs he mentions having tested in his system: Chord DAVE, Hugo TT2, Holo Audio May, dCs Vivaldi, Theta Gen V.

I finalized my order with the DHD rectifier option, so the DAC II will come stock with a 5Y3 but will be compatible with GZ32/GZ34//5R4 as well.

Some serious DACs indeed...

On another note, somewhat inspired by your (@L0rdGwyn) no-USB streamer path ... I have a SOtM USB streamer Roon endpoint ahead of the DAC. It is the best of the USB streamers I've heard. On the SW1X the USB goes into the coax path. I may try a Metrum Ambre coax out to coax in on the DAC and see about skipping USB entirely. The whole thing sounds great, but I'm thinking eliminating USB conversion entirely could even be a tad better. We shall see. Small fiddling about really, but ... why not.

 

[L0rdGwyn]

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[leftside]

Some serious DACs indeed...

On another note, somewhat inspired by your (@L0rdGwyn) no-USB streamer path ... I have a SOtM USB streamer Roon endpoint ahead of the DAC. It is the best of the USB streamers I've heard. On the SW1X the USB goes into the coax path. I may try a Metrum Ambre coax out to coax in on the DAC and see about skipping USB entirely. The whole thing sounds great, but I'm thinking eliminating USB conversion entirely could even be a tad better. We shall see. Small fiddling about really, but ... why not.

Could you do a double blind test? Girlfriend or wife who would be willing to do the switching for you? Mine told me to f off a long time ago when I mentioned "just one more pair of tubes please".

@L0rdGwyn must still be time to change your mind to get the DAC III?

 

[L0rdGwyn]

Deleted.

 

[chrisdrop]

Could you do a double blind test? Girlfriend or wife who would be willing to do the switching for you? Mine told me to f off a long time ago when I mentioned "just one more pair of tubes please".

@L0rdGwyn must still be time to change your mind to get the DAC III?

That's a good idea. I have a teen kid who would enjoy exercising some scientific process with me

Regarding "just one more pair of tubes". My wife gets a cruel kick out of asking me "what is in that parcel?" - just to force me to say what she well knows is in the box ...

 

[maxpudding]

Due to covid, I've been away from my wife for the most part of last year, and so far, this year as well. I dread the day when she'd ask me "what's in that container"