How is the T+A DAC8 DSD with non-upconverted sources?

2

2FlyingYorkies

Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2017
Messages
182
Location
Kansas
Title pretty much says it. Lots of reviews and commentary recently on the T+A DAC 8 DSD's, but they all seem to focus on results when upconverting source files to DSD512 on a PC. Curious if anyone has an opinion on its performance with "lesser" inputs like redbook CD, 24/192, or DSD 64/128. In other words, is it still as exciting for those of us who don't have a PC in the loop to upconvert, or would you look at other DACs for these more typical sources files at the "under $4k" price point? (for example: Yggdrasil, Holo Spring Kitsune edition, Mytek Brooklyn, W4S Dac2 SE...)
 
I ordered one today to play with (and loan out if anyone is interested).

I'll let you know.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
A friend of mine has the T + A DAC. It sounds the best at DSD 512 running HQ player. Other resolutions sound good but 512 is stellar. If you cant or don't want to do DSD 512 then skip the DAC. The PS Audio direct stream sounds similar and would be a better fit. Plus it has different software versions so you can dial in the sound to match your system. If you are wanting a little warmer organic sound with the trade off of less resolution, then take a look at the Luxman DA-06 which I own. The pro reviews are spot on with this DAC. The Aqua La Voce S2 is another great sounding DAC that is very natural sounding.
 
+1 on the the Aqua La Voce S2 if DSD is not in your future. If undecided then the Directstream is your safest bet and by all accounts a great sounding DAC.
 
The PS Audio DS with the newly released Huron firmware is a stellar performer. Its like getting a new DAC for free. Ted (the DS designer) claims he is not done yet and still has few tricks left under his sleeves, so there will be more free upgrades in the future and who know what mighty level it would elevate its performance to. I am so glad that I purchased this DAC 3yrs back when it first came out and its paying dividends in spades.
 
2FlyingYorkies said:
Title pretty much says it. Lots of reviews and commentary recently on the T+A DAC 8 DSD's, but they all seem to focus on results when upconverting source files to DSD512 on a PC. Curious if anyone has an opinion on its performance with "lesser" inputs like redbook CD, 24/192, or DSD 64/128. In other words, is it still as exciting for those of us who don't have a PC in the loop to upconvert, or would you look at other DACs for these more typical sources files at the "under $4k" price point? (for example: Yggdrasil, Holo Spring Kitsune edition, Mytek Brooklyn, W4S Dac2 SE...)
Click to expand...

It's an OK DAC without upsampling to DSD 512 but I wouldn't buy it unless you were upsampling. I have had one since it was first released and have tried over and over again and will never go back. Just my opinion, if you don't want to upsample to DSD512 look elsewhere. Which brings up an important point. The DAC lists for 4K and a computer capable of taking advantage of Jussi's algorithms is going to cost you as well so the combo will likely be closer to 6K unless you have a computer capable of upsampling, which means, at least an i7 6700, preferably i6700K + NVIDIA card at a minimum.
 
Hey Jack, I see you have both the Aqua and Musical Paradise, how do they compare?


I agree with Priaptor, you will need at minimum an I7 6700K and 16gb ram to run a program like HQ player at 512 and an NVIA video card that has CUDA to offload some of the work of the CPU.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top