The Halide Design DAC HD is a great combination of simplicity and complexity. The DAC HD is the simplest digital to analog converter on the market to use in a computer audio system. The DAC HD is also a complex and finely engineered audio component designed into a 1.875 cubic inch, anodized, laser engraved, milled aluminum enclosure. This combination is a win-win for computer audiophiles at all levels of this hobby. Those in favor of keeping it simple need only know how to plug it in. Those listeners who need a little engineering justification to lubricate their purchase of a $550 DAC will be satisfied knowing the DAC HD is designed like high end components many times its size and price. Both simplicity and complexity don't equate to much without good sonic performance. Predictably, like other Halide Design components, the DAC HD is a sonic overachiever.
The AURALiC ARK MX+ digital to analog converter is a well engineered, uniquely constructed, and very good sounding DAC. Right out of the box it's visually and physically evident the ARK MX+ was built to a very high standard. This 12 lbs. DAC made of iron, nickel, and silicon looks and feels like it was built to military specifications. Internally the AURALiC ARK MX+ houses some unique design elements including the main attraction AURALiC Sanctuary Audio Processor. This multi-core ARM9 processor and the ARK MX+ unique ActiveUSB™ asynchronous USB interface is a combination not found in any other converter. The aforementioned building blocks play a major role in solidifying this DAC's foundation and most importantly contribute to the final result that is very good sound quality.
I'm not a big fan of blind listening tests. I rarely put myself through blind tests when reviewing products. My standard reviewing methodology is to listen to familiar components for a few hours, or even days, then place the piece of reviewed gear into the system. No matter the price difference between the components I can at least identify sonic differences as a starting data point. Sonic differences are much easier for me to identify after long listening sessions as opposed to short A/B type sessions. After listening to my system for a few hours I switched preamp inputs to hear what the Peachtree Audio DAC•iT had to offer compared to other components. I was immediately and thoroughly impressed by the DAC•iT's performance. There were no glaring and easily identifiable deficiencies. This first impression had such an impact on me that I conducted a blind listening test between components costing thousands of dollars and the paltrily priced Peachtree Audio DAC•iT at $449. The unscientific blind, and sighted, test results were unflattering of my ability to differentiate between these components over a short period of time. Following prolonged listening I was able to identify a couple small imperfections in the DAC•iT but not a single showstopper. Peachtree Audio's DAC•iT is an overachiever that has definitely out-punted its coverage.
The orange glow of my McIntosh MC275’s KT88 tubes was juxtaposed with the green glow of the Grace m903 power button. This combination of old-world and modern component design, both internal and external, was the only saving grace (no pun intended) for the m903. Matched with a tube amplifier the Grace m903 came to life more so than with any solid state combination in my system. At the expense of resolution this tube trade-off produced a pleasing sonic signature but nonetheless was not enough to get my toes tapping or give me goose bumps. I really wanted to fall in love with the inanimate object that is the Grace Design m903, but the more I tried the more frustrated I became. Was it my lofty expectations or a lack of system synergy? Was it my ears or simply a matter of taste? Any or all of these four reasons may explain my conclusion that the Grace Design m903 is a good but not great all-in-one DAC / Preamp / Headphone Amp.
Passionate, intelligent, and humble are words that come to mind when I think about Meitner Audio. Several conversations with the Meitner team gave me a very good feeling inside. It's always nice to talk to people who know their stuff, but don't feel the need to stand on a soapbox and tell it to the world. The Meitner team, lead by Ed Meitner, is passionate about very well engineered products that sound good. At Meitner the engineers have ears. This team with a remarkable history of audio innovation at EMM Labs has created a new brand in its effort to produce high quality components without the prices demanded by the no-holds-barred EMM products. The first product to carry the Meitner Audio name is the $7,000 MA-1 Digital to Analog Converter (DAC). Vivid and very detailed with lush yet tight bass and wonderful transients are the hallmarks of the MA-1. Capable of receiving 24 bit / 192 kHz audio on all six digital inputs, including asynchronous USB, the MA-1 is a must for the audition list of those in the market for a new DAC.
Pleasantly surprised right from the first note is one way to describe my time with the Bel Canto Design DAC 1.5. I was initially drawn to the DAC 1.5 because of its price ($1,395) and features. I wasn't sure what to expect sonically from the least expensive DAC in the Bel Canto Design lineup. What I heard was very good. Comparing the DAC 1.5 to a very popular product in this competitive market segment lead me to place it on the Computer Audiophile C.A.S.H. List
immediately. DACs of this ilk must be good to survive the onslaught of Internet chatter, reviews, and endless comparisons. The Bel Canto Design DAC 1.5 is clearly the best value in the Bel Canto DAC lineup. This DAC worked very well in my system whether connected to Windows, OS X, or Linux music servers. Plus the characteristic that matters most to me, sound quality, was the real standout. It's tough to beat a value like the DAC 1.5, that works well, and sounds this good.
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