Quote:
Originally Posted by FinnishPower /img/forum/go_quote.gif
thanks for the reply, what would you rank your cd players and dacs?
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For me:
0.5 = It's better but it's close. I can say "well" after listen A and B. Need to relax with good recording.
1 = It's better but it's not night and day. On a blind test, I should be able to hear a difference. After a certain time, I can pick a winner when I know what is different.
2 = It's better, I am sure. Blind test should reveal me a significative difference.
3 = It's another league ... I will be shy to choose the cheeper one!
I have exagerated the step here to show what fealing I have in every step.
Esoteric D-03 DAC (14 000$) as reference for 8/10
(smooth and first time I hear DEPTH of soundstage at this level. The music is just big). This DAC have a "coloration" to my ears.
AudioResearch CD3MK2 (6500$) (6.5/10)
(I have no complain with the SQ .. it's good)
X-Meridian 7.1 soundcard +lm4562 (189$) (6.0/10)
(Possibly a clone of my CD3 in general. Just a little bit less of all aspects).
DAC Oritek (750$) (5/10)
(on the neutral side and lack bass. Soundstage is wider than deeper (I will prefer more balanced). Mids are very airy and it's clear. It's a good dac without objections for the price)
Citypulse +LM4562 (350$) (4/10)
(same sonority as my arc in general. Lack clarity and definition. Nothing is magic but it's fun for ambient listening).
Predator (500$) (3.5-3.8/10)
(it's portable ... no major issue .. it's fun to listen, dynamic, strong bass. Never done A/B with citypulse ... can be 4 but not more)
Onboard soundcard (0$) (1.5 to 2.5/10) (certain computer are a lot better to other ... )
(nothing special ... but just balanced sound. Music is slow, no definition, no deep bass ...)
Fubar III + supply (300$) (2.5/10)
(have potential to have something better to on-board ... but lack excitement in general. It's a bit frustring .. it's why I put it under certain soundcard).
Gina 3D professionnal Soundcard (300-400$) (2.5) .. look like fubar for me. No excitement, no special bass enveloppement, no special highs ... just boring to listen.