This is a very good dac indeed. Very spacious, lush, dynamic and detailed!
@Simon_Hawkshaw2 жыл бұрын
Thank you as always for your amazingly in-depth and informative review of this DAC. Your personal experience of this DAC has certainly sold me on this piece of equipment.
@Tharbamar Жыл бұрын
Thank you for sharing.
@rytismucinskas7276 ай бұрын
Bought it and very impressed so far.After 5 hours from the box its already amazing rich sound holographic with nice details especially piano voices and guitar.Very organic natural sound.using coaxial input nos mode with rca out in to naim supernait 3.
@clabbem74 Жыл бұрын
really like this Drago.. hope than you can add some more demo of Draco .-)... how will be drago for Rock ? like Nirvana, Alice in Chains, clasic Rock and grunge ?
@Jordankid3652 жыл бұрын
I have Draco dac in my system used xlr sound much better then rca my rca is cardas golden presence 800$ my xlr just 50$ but sound better in any area top to bottom I used Hegel h390 and audio physic Virgo 25 speaker the dac of the Hegel h390 also very good
@josephshim27443 жыл бұрын
What is the latency like on this? The Denafrips Ares II apparently has a large latency.
@tianshiwang35722 жыл бұрын
Hmmmmmm emotion is priceless! I will take this one to "cure" my Yamaha&B&W combo. --- pull backthe forward sound stage. Thanks a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!
@iikatinggangsengii24719 ай бұрын
lul
@cruzingrsx44843 жыл бұрын
Great review like always sir. I have an Arcam irDac I have owned for several years and have been wanting to change it. I respect your audio equipment knowledge so I placed an order on the Draco it’s a pre order expected on November 23. It looks like the Aries II, anyway thank you and stay safe my brother
@Tharbamar3 жыл бұрын
Great choice, I love everything about it, thanks
@herosandwich79403 жыл бұрын
Wonderful stuff! Around 500 quid delivered to the UK from China so seems a good deal.
@Tharbamar3 жыл бұрын
Reasonably priced for what other companies are selling for their DAC. Thanks
@bobbybowers3562 жыл бұрын
I really appreciate your videos. Very good way of telling us of the gear, and excellent sound demos. I’m ready to purchase a dac, and decided on either a Musician Draco, or Pegasus. Listening to demos online,they both have a similar sound, but the Pegasus seems to be a little more detailed, and open. Having actually having both in your system, which of the two would you recommend?
@Tharbamar2 жыл бұрын
Yes your finding is very same as mine, Draco is a bit smoother Pegasus offer more resolution, it will be depends on your paring components and preference, personally I slightly preferred Draco with very same system in this video, thanks
@khuneiang94702 жыл бұрын
I bought smsl d300 based on your review I wonder how do magician Draco or denafrips compare to smsl d300.
@mikecees22303 жыл бұрын
I bought the Ares II. Was expecting a meaty, warm sounding DAC but at least in my system it sounded very detailed but also very thin. Sold it and bought a Loxjie D50 based mostly on your glowing review. I think it sounds much better than the Ares II. Still can't understand what so many people were hearing that I was not. System synergy? Maybe, but to that extent? I doubt it. Enter the Draco... Worth upgrading from the D50?
@Tharbamar3 жыл бұрын
Mike, it will be more like sideway, D50 will be quieter with slightly more resolution, Draco will be richer and more like real analog sound, in my system it produces nicer bass quality and performance, thanks
@IvicaMarusevic3 жыл бұрын
Ares II can not run long cables or passive preamps. Maybe that was the case?
@patrickkluiters12 жыл бұрын
I also own a Loxjie D50. Bought it because I was curious. Love the sound of this dac. I was surprised. But I have to do a upgrade to a Draco or Pegasus.
@damgar2 жыл бұрын
great reaviw, SMSL DO200 or MUSICIAN DRACO ?
@kenanpao2 жыл бұрын
Thank you for your review. Do you still remember if the Pegasus's rca output has the same quality as the Draco''s?
@eeyorebill043 жыл бұрын
I’d love to hear your thoughts comparing this side-by-side to the Denafrips Ares II
@Tharbamar3 жыл бұрын
Yes I will do that when I have chance, thanks
@herosandwich79403 жыл бұрын
@@Tharbamar Interested in your thoughts in this DAC too. Thanks
@beslemeto3 жыл бұрын
Pegasus was better than Ares II.I guess Draco will be more pleasurable to listen to.
@klepp192 жыл бұрын
I own Ares II and Pontus II and the new 2021 Pegasus sleighs both easily!😃
@khuneiang94702 жыл бұрын
@@klepp19 can you explain more on this. I'm interested in buying r2r dad but don't know what to choose.
@silviopimentel72473 жыл бұрын
Your the best!! Origato 💯🙏
@Tharbamar3 жыл бұрын
Thank you
@rangsitsupinta81773 жыл бұрын
Great review. Thanks.
@Tharbamar3 жыл бұрын
Thank you.
@calaf_7253 жыл бұрын
Thank you, this is interesting and i will consider it for my next dac. I do have a question though. Did you try it with DSD? I have a big DSD library and unfortunately not all dacs perform equally PCM and DSD.
@Tharbamar3 жыл бұрын
Yes most of my music is DSD files, thanks
@alrasekhoon12 жыл бұрын
Do you think the Draco is a upgrade from the smsl su 9, i also rock the bowers 706s2. Thanks in advance much love 💯
@Tharbamar2 жыл бұрын
Yes in my case, I love how they sound with my 706 S2 in my system, thanks
@alrasekhoon12 жыл бұрын
@@Tharbamar thanks man, you are one of the realest reviewers on YTube, so i appreciate the answer, cant wait to have the Draco, have a nice day 👌💯
@riccitone3 жыл бұрын
Wow! Cool, another R2R contender. Probably a beat to death question…but even compared to Denafrips ares II? Looking to pair with a Creek evolution 50a and Quad S2’s 🙏🏼
@Tharbamar3 жыл бұрын
They should sound great together, thanks
@voodoo731111 ай бұрын
Thanks for the review! Could you do a video comparison with Musician Audio Pegasus R2R DAC, Denafrips Ares II (Enyo) R2R DAC, Gustard R26 R2R DAC?
@Tharbamar11 ай бұрын
Sorry, I no longer have them, thanks
@bliiblaablue3 жыл бұрын
Would love to hear a direct comparison between Draco and Pegasus, does half the price mean half the sound quality?
@mehmetcamat4458 Жыл бұрын
It's not really half price Draco is about $750 and Pegasus $1100
@landosazo7506 Жыл бұрын
great review...how does this DAC compare to the Topping E70/E70 Velvet?...thanks
@Tharbamar Жыл бұрын
I would go with E70 Velvet personally, thanks
@maximo900193 жыл бұрын
I always love it when a component receives this level of excitement on the channel. I am confused about where an R2R fits when streaming MQA files? Does an MQA decoder plugin the R2R, which is attached to the amplifier?
@Tharbamar3 жыл бұрын
This is very good R2R indeed, no MQA is offer with it.
@Luca84v3 жыл бұрын
Tharbamar have you put apart your KEF Ls50 Meta? you like other speakers more nowadays?
@Tharbamar3 жыл бұрын
Meta is a good speaker but I like others more, thanks
@dilbyjones3 жыл бұрын
The new graphics are cool. 😎
@Tharbamar3 жыл бұрын
Thanks
@akoskolok2 жыл бұрын
Great review! I would like to ask you if draco dac is a good combo with a warmer, musical amp (mklll marly) and with meze empy headphone. I use a streamer node2i. Thanks!🙂🙏🏻
@Tharbamar2 жыл бұрын
Yes totally, my amplifier is on the warm side as well, thanks
@akoskolok2 жыл бұрын
@@Tharbamar Thank you! 🤗
@matzeflamingos3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this video
@Tharbamar3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching.
@rajendrabiswas2 жыл бұрын
Is this a Chinese DAC ? What do you think of mdac plus by audio lab ?
@gw613 жыл бұрын
Do you like the draco better than Pegasus?
@Tharbamar3 жыл бұрын
Yes for me but not necessarily better but more musical in my system, thanks
@beslemeto2 жыл бұрын
Sir are you gonna review Musician Aquarius? That is the high end DAC of Musician brand...
@Tharbamar2 жыл бұрын
Not at this time.
@beslemeto2 жыл бұрын
@@Tharbamar By the way sir...What preamp are you using?
@AudioThings Жыл бұрын
Hello! What would you say about Draco vs Gustard R26? How much resolution does draco lose in this comparison and what more? Thanks!
@zzt231gr3 жыл бұрын
How about Chord Qutest?
@klepp193 жыл бұрын
What streaming service has this song from Grace Mahya?
@lanx00032 жыл бұрын
I just bought smsl su-9 and, compared with smsl sankrit 10th mk ii, is it more revealing, fuller and has more hefty bass from better recorded music. But, I wish su-9 can be more smooth and musical still. Since you have highly recommended both, would you pls comment on the differences bet. them. If I am more gearing toward more musical sounding dac, is it worth switching to? Thx again.
@jesushuerta98782 жыл бұрын
Here Iam with also Su9 and I love it although bluetooth stopped working several months ago ..I will be capable of selling this Su9 and other audio gear so I can reach something like This Draco or Gustard X18 (no need to bother switching to another 400-500 usd dacs)
@lanx00032 жыл бұрын
@@jesushuerta9878 I have been auditioning su9 for almost a month and I like it too especially for its punchy nimble bass notes. But the treble might be a bit too bright to my liking with hints of sibilance from female vocal. I have an eye on those you have mentioned too, plus Earthman Tradutto, Schiit Bifrost 2 and might be Smsl M400. How do you think about these five gangs so far?
@kennith.3 жыл бұрын
thank you
@kaulozauras7 ай бұрын
Musician R2R DAC or Denafrips Ares II, which is better ?
@andrewfurst57113 жыл бұрын
Very informative review (and helpful follow up comments as well), thanks. The Draco DAC is still very new, but I'm wondering how it compares with the Bifrost 2 in terms of sound. The Draco and Bifrost 2 are similarly priced (at least in the USA), and both may be aiming for a similar sound. Hopefully you or someone will hear both DACs at some point, for a critical comparison. One advantage of the Draco may be the ability to switch between NOS and OS; the Bifrost 2 has only the default setting(s), take it or leave it. Of course the Bifrost 2 has the possible advantage of being made and serviced in the US. I suspect the 2 DACs sound similar, but that's mainly a guess, they might be quite different.
@Tharbamar3 жыл бұрын
I would love to compare them but DAC without DSD and NOS feature is no use for me, that’s why I never review Schiit DACS, thanks
@andrewfurst57113 жыл бұрын
@@Tharbamar That's understandable, thanks. Personally I could live without DSD (and MQA for that matter, which both of these DACs don't include) but the NOS-OS switching would be nice to have. The Schiit approach of "one flavor for all" is not ideal, unless that flavor is great for every system and every listener. It's also possible that Schiit tried the Bifrost 2 in NOS mode and decided it sounded terrible that way, but who knows.
@Tharbamar3 жыл бұрын
@@andrewfurst5711 One thing for sure is they have limited resources and production capacity, it will be hard to survive in long run because they are not premium name to start with, thanks
@andrewfurst57112 жыл бұрын
@@Tharbamar I assume you mean Schiit (not Musician), they do seem to be trying to get by on a limited budget, competing with China despite higher US labor costs. The Bifrost 2 not only doesn't offer DSD or a NOS option, they also don't have AES or IS2 connections in back. AES and IS2 are not used by many people, but my understanding is that they do offer superior sound quality when implemented properly. You mentioned in your video that the Draco is a good DAC for Bowers & Wilkins speakers, due to B&W speakers sometimes sounding too forward in the highs. I have also felt the B&W speakers I heard were aggressive in the highs to the point of being shrill and grainy, especially when heard fairly close. It sounds like the Draco might attenuate some of the highs, though I'm not sure I would want that. I have Martin Logan Motion 40 speakers, which I bought mainly because I found their (AMT based) tweeters to be extended without being shrill or grainy (also because they are good overall and they look good in polished black, but it was the treble that really sold me vs. other brands). So my preference would be for a DAC that didn't limit the "air" of the upper treble, but still didn't add its own "glare". Thus if the Bifrost 2 and Draco were both similar sounding, but one had extended highs, I'd probably choose the one that had the more extended highs. I'm just not sure which one that would be, and of course maybe both are a bit too limited in the highs for my taste/application.
@Tharbamar2 жыл бұрын
@@andrewfurst5711 Thank you, yes I meant Schiit. About 65% of my digital music is DSD, Schiit is no go for me. Draco is something like you are listening to top notch vinyl system.
@uyldz903 жыл бұрын
Thank you for good rewiew. Can you look Gustard x16 ?
@Tharbamar3 жыл бұрын
I will if I can get a sample, thanks
@R3s1d3ntAl13n Жыл бұрын
Any headphone amplifier recommendations to pair with either the Draco or Pegasus please. Thanks
@Tharbamar Жыл бұрын
SMSL HO200 is one of my favorite, thanks
@metphmet3 жыл бұрын
A long explanation that could be shortened : harmonics . ( full body, organic etc...)
@Luca84v3 жыл бұрын
Did you like the Draco Dac more than Matrix i-3 PRO?
@Tharbamar3 жыл бұрын
Definitely.
@Luca84v3 жыл бұрын
@@Tharbamar Cool so it seemed that the Matrix impressed you a lot but this Draco seemed to over passed your expectation! :-)
@ajnolewis12132 жыл бұрын
thank you, i am thinking to get one of this or musician pegasus, my setup is tube amp [EL34] / QED SILVER signature / 3incb full range speaker, please i wish you cloud provide recommendation . thank you
@Tharbamar2 жыл бұрын
Either one will work great but Pegasus will offer better resolution, thanks
@CesarFerrer2 жыл бұрын
Would you recommend this for a headphone amplifier and headphones?
@Tharbamar2 жыл бұрын
Yes definitely.
@CesarFerrer2 жыл бұрын
@@Tharbamar take your like, good man, you earned a subscription.
@natnut20082 жыл бұрын
Are you saying the Draco is better than the Pegasus? Even though the Pegasus is a higher up model? Also I have a set of active 2.1 studio monitor speakers. Can I use a passive preamp in between the Draco/Pegasus DAC and the active speakers or do you suggest a powered preamp?
@Tharbamar2 жыл бұрын
I replaced Pegasus with Draco, it just better and more accurate sound because improved version with lesser quality enclosure.
@uncletoma2 жыл бұрын
Ares II or Draco? What's better in your system?
@Tharbamar2 жыл бұрын
I have not Aeries II in my system yet. Thanks
@uncletoma2 жыл бұрын
@@Tharbamar but you reviewed it :) Ops... you are right, my mistake, too many reviewers here on YT :D
@jamesminotto80362 жыл бұрын
Draco vs Denafrips Ares? Your thoughts?
@Tharbamar2 жыл бұрын
Draco is closest to pure analog like sound of two. Thanks
@jamesminotto80362 жыл бұрын
@@Tharbamar thank you!
@jamesminotto80362 жыл бұрын
@@Tharbamar can I use the Draco with the two sources using two digital inputs? CD in one, streamer in the other?
@Tharbamar2 жыл бұрын
@@jamesminotto8036 Yes it has 5 different digital inputs.
@pagornchait1471 Жыл бұрын
how about comparing with Denafrips Aresii?
@johnsnowlow18832 жыл бұрын
Hi thanks for the review. I gather that the Draco has a warmer and fuller bodied texture than pegasus right ? Did you have the chance to compare with denafrips ares ? Look forward to hear from you thanks
@Tharbamar2 жыл бұрын
Draco is pretty much same DAC as Pegasus in cheaper enclosure, sound quality wise Draco is slightly warmer and they just perfected after Pegasus, Ares 2 is ok but upper frequencies are a bit brighter compared to Draco, thanks
@johnsnowlow18832 жыл бұрын
@@Tharbamar thanks for your insights. One thing I realized is that draco output whether xlr or unbal is relatively lower.
@kouichi42 жыл бұрын
@@Tharbamar hi does the draco have laid back vocals like ares ii?
@Tharbamar2 жыл бұрын
@@kouichi4 I would not call it laid back but natural sound, if you like crispiest vocals it may not be best choice, thanks
@beslemeto2 жыл бұрын
I am wondering which other DACs you have tried in higher price ranges.What price range at least...
@Tharbamar2 жыл бұрын
Audio Mirror, PS Audio Direct Stream, iFi IDSD Pro etc
@iikatinggangsengii24719 ай бұрын
2000+ ish dap prob have the features, mainly the nuances/ ambience
@iikatinggangsengii24719 ай бұрын
daps are really underappreciated imo, they always offer better sq/money ratio
@kwilj2 жыл бұрын
Good match with the Criton 2TD-X?
@Tharbamar2 жыл бұрын
See my 2TDX review.
@Rusoturisto2322 жыл бұрын
Будет ли на этом цап хорошо звучать быстрый прог метал Dream Theater или ранняя Metallica?
@winstonclayton46982 жыл бұрын
How does it compare to the Pegasus DAC
@clarice1001nights2 жыл бұрын
I am ready to return the Draco. Can you explain how to get the DRACO to oversample. The instructions offer no guidance what so ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Help
@Tharbamar2 жыл бұрын
Light OFF (Over Samples) Light ON (NOS)
@clarice1001nights2 жыл бұрын
The diodes on my unit which would indicate OS never light up. They should. If turn on a different source the dac lights up immediately. There is no way to determine if you are doing 1x, 2x, 3x, 4x, DSD or 48K. If they are automatic it should light up the diodes. The Ares ii which is built to more or less the same spec and is the same size, etc...allows you to change the oversampling rate through the buttons on the front pannel. No such instructions exist for the Draco. Why is that? Have you measured the output on this DAC so you have confirmation of the oversampling? You do not demonstrate changing the OS either. Am I missing something, or are we all missing something? Thanks for seeing what I mean
@clarice1001nights2 жыл бұрын
These units report correctly when input sources are active. There is most likely a problem in the output section. The activity of the oversampling chip does not send information to the diodes, which would logically indicate false wiring on the board in the output section. Unless we have a way to either select the OS rate as one does on the Dynafrips Ares ii, or we measure it. One can easily be listening only to 16 bit and believe the DAC is doing something it may not be doing. This appears to be a design or manufacturing issue and not a special feature. If you can confirm otherwise, I will be grateful. It looks to me, and my friend who is an engineer, as a concern with the output circuitry. Could it be that Dynafrips fixed issues but was holding on to thousands of boards and needed to unload them? This would explain the nearly same build architecture of the Dynafrips Brands and the Musician Audio Brands.
@clarice1001nights2 жыл бұрын
@@Tharbamar With all respect, I like the sound but think are going too easy on this model of this manufactuerer. When electrical circuits do not work right and claims are made that there is upsampling when the device itself does not give feedback then it is ta huge credibility problem. I adore your KZfaq reviews and am following your guidance on cable building and DIY things. I do not see any feedback from you that your unit works differently than I have described here. How is it we praise a design flaw? If your device can not show what it is doing and we accept it, then shame on us for not bringing this to the manufacturer's attention.
@7in1Ай бұрын
@@clarice1001nights thanks for bringing up the issue with draco. Did you keep it ? What DAC are you using now?
@georgenicolaidis75503 жыл бұрын
Apparently the quoted price is nowhere near $600-$700, it is closer to $1,000
@herosandwich79403 жыл бұрын
Are you looking at the more expensive PEGASUS R2R DAC?
@Tharbamar3 жыл бұрын
@Hero Sandwich Could be, when I check on Amazon Draco DAC is selling with even lower Pre-Order Special price.
@herosandwich79403 жыл бұрын
@@Tharbamar Yep from the UK the eBay shop has it for £485 and 20 quid postage. Very cheap
@meutubedou3 жыл бұрын
@@herosandwich7940 $617.00 at Amazon👍
@herosandwich79403 жыл бұрын
@M S You're getting ripped off then mate. In our corner of Europe, its much cheaper.