Does the output stage of a DAC/Digital product determine if it has a clean, unbroken, analog like sound?

M

mdp632

Member
Joined
May 17, 2016
Messages
574
For example, we have many members here overwhelming praising products like the Luxman D08U and on on the other end of the pricing spectrum the Select II.

As audio and digital design is the sum of of many parts but, how important is the output stage in determining that final "analog" like sound that so many enjoy?

I know Luxman is known for their output stage technology but is MSB as well? It is discrete Class A output using no -op amps in the signal path?

Whereas, Esoteric's output stage does have op-amps and I wonder if thats why lots of members say there is something missing in their products?

Dacs like many other products are the some of all their parts. But, I'm curious if we are really hearing the combination of low jitter plus a great output stage = The best of digital and analog qualities.
 
I believe there is a lot that goes into a digital playback unit. More than what "digital is digital" crowd would admit. The analog stage is a good portion, as well jitter reduction and clocking. It's always amazing what a good power supply will do. There's also many methods in the process, singlebit, filter or no filteing, oversampling etc.

As with any audio product, often it's not so much the method but the application, how well the designer is able to implement the technology.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top