Intro
Contents
Virtually all sources are digital. And this has been the case for some time now. To convert this digital signal to a somewhat more pleasant signal for our ears – analogue – a d/a converter is needed: a digital to analogue converter. Now a dac is basically just a chip. But more is needed to make it useful: at least a power supply, a pair of inputs with an input receiver and an output stage to connect it to an amplifier, or – if possible – a pair of active speakers. We test for you five converters in the price range around 1000 Euros.
In this multitest we put five d/a converters side by side. We have listened, sampled and measured. In short: a complete picture, so you know exactly what a product does. For each product we briefly explain what it is and what it costs. Then we explain in a few paragraphs how it sounds; do not expect an in-depth review.
Finally, we briefly run through the measurements. For logged in users, we have also put all measurements in the database. There you can view and download all images.
The candidates
- RME ADI-2 – 999 Euros
- Audio GD R1 R2R – 969 Euro
- IFI Micro iDSD Reference – 749 Euro
- Audiolab M-Dac – 1099 Euro
- Metrum Acoustics Amethyst (DAC2) – 1199 Euro
These are all the recommended prices we found on the manufacturers’ websites.
In mijn set herken ik de scherpte niet met de standaard voeding van de RME ADI-2 DAC. Wel het mooie gedetailleerde hoog. (Auralic Aries, RME, Hegel H360 en Dynaudio Contour). Ik heb de RME aangesloten op een Keces P3 voeding en hoorde geen verschil.
In my set I do not recognize the sharpness with the standard power supply of the RME ADI-2 DAC. The nice detailed high. (Auralic Aries, RME, Hegel H360 and Dynaudio Contour). I connected the RME to a Keces P3 power supply and heard no difference.
Hi folks. Thanks for this. I know you compared 5 DACs already but can I ask you to add the Merason Frerot (sans the external power supply I guess) to the mix?
Since you reviewed it positively in the past I’d like to know where it stands, especially versus the RME. I have the latter and I’m looking for a warmer DAC to diversify my stack.
Thank you and keep up the good work. I follow the YouTube channel a lot.
Thanks! Yes, we can measure the Merason as well. Geoffrey uses it as a reference in this class.
Hi folks. Thanks for this. I know you compared 5 DACs already but can I ask you to add the Merason Frerot (sans the external power supply I guess) to the mix?
Since you reviewed it positively in the past I’d like to know where it stands, especially versus the RME. I have the latter and I’m looking for a warmer DAC to diversify my stack.
Thank you and keep up the good work. I follow the YouTube channel a lot.
Thanks! Yes, we can measure the Merason as well. Geoffrey uses it as a reference in this class.