"THE BIG DAC SHOOTOUT MY TAKE"!!!🎧

Рет қаралды 7,038

7 ай бұрын

Here are the dealers for these three Dacs in Australia.
indiehifi.com.au/
For the Holo Audio May kte Dac.
www.osbornloudspeakers.com.au/
For the Audio Music Dac 1 Dac.
Please mention you heard about this Dac on "An Aussie Audiophile"for the big discount Greg is offering.
sonicpurity.com.au/
For the PlaybackDesigns MPD-8 Dac.

Пікірлер: 108

@stevemd8947 7 ай бұрын

Excellent explanation of each DAC. Thank you.

@shanestephenson8423 7 ай бұрын

Thanks, Steve. I hope it wasn't too full on. I do get excited about these kinds of things.😁

@jasonw512 6 ай бұрын

❤ Thanks for your work in sharing your experience

@shanestephenson8423 6 ай бұрын

You're very welcome, Jason. Thanks for watching.👍🎧🙂

@user-hb3go2cc9m 7 ай бұрын

A comprehensive summation Shane, and a great process which led us to this point. Three terrific DACs. The pricing on the AM DAC1 in Australia is fascinating. That DAC in the UK is advertised retail at 13,000 Pounds Sterling. On today's conversion rate, that converts to just over $24,000 (AUD). That puts the price offered by Greg Osborn into perspective. At the full retail price for the AM DAC overseas, if I was shopping in that price range, there are a LOT of DACs which I would be looking at/auditioning, before making any decision, including for example (but not limited to) the Aqua Acoustics Aqua Formula DAC. Even at the price offered in Australia, I can think of a number of DACs which I would want to audition before pulling the trigger on around $15,000 (AUD). So - three great DACs, each with a different sound signature, each with their fans etc. Well done bringing this comparison to us. Looking forward to hearing the next lot of DACs, speakers etc which you get into your listening room.

@shanestephenson8423 7 ай бұрын

Thanks Paul 👍🙏

@scottbennett3119 7 ай бұрын

I have wanted to hear about how the MPD-8 DAC performs for quite a while now. Thank you for these wonderful reviews!

@shanestephenson8423 7 ай бұрын

No problem, Scott, there will be more of this kind of thing to come. 🙂👍🎧

@a.s.2426 7 ай бұрын

Can’t wait!

@carminedesanto6746 7 ай бұрын

Happy Boxing Day!! I trust that everyone had a good time. I’m very curious as to the differences …and as you’ve pointed out they all represent the attainable..in a world where you can spend multiples of tens of thousands of dollars on them. Take care and have a great year end week🥂

@shanestephenson8423 7 ай бұрын

Thanks Carmine 👍🎧🍷

@naikrosh 7 ай бұрын

Nice review. The next challenger here may be the DAC built into the Daniel Hertz Maria with its mighty cat thing

@shanestephenson8423 7 ай бұрын

Yeah, I'm reading that's meant to be pretty good.

@ericelmore887 7 ай бұрын

Great feedback.. Grimm Audio MU2 is all the talk of the town . Would love to see you review that

@shanestephenson8423 7 ай бұрын

Yeah, there's been a few asking me about that. I've heard the MU1, so I'll be interested to see if I can get my hands on one for review.

@CobraChamp 3 ай бұрын

Very nice review. Thanks for posting. New Subscriber.

@shanestephenson8423 3 ай бұрын

Welcome to the An Aussie Audiophile family. It's great to have you on board.😁👍🎧

@ericstefko4852 7 ай бұрын

It would great if you could take a Lampizator horizon or EMM Labs DA2 V2 Reference Stereo D/A. I really appreciate someone with a tonne of experience in this domain sharing their thoughts. Keep up the great work !

@archonblaze 7 ай бұрын

Agree, and the Weiss Helios. The EMM and Weiss are also price comparable to the PD, mid 30k.

@shanestephenson8423 7 ай бұрын

Great suggestion, Eric. I'll see what I can come up with, but one thing I can promise you is that there will definitely be some more interesting DAC shootouts to come.👍🎧🙂

@larryowens3704 5 ай бұрын

Great video. Would be nice to know where some of the 300 dacs you have heard fall into position. A review of the Weiss 501, Aqua LaScala mark 2 and T+A Dac 200 would be of real interest.

@shanestephenson8423 5 ай бұрын

Hi there, I've heard all three of those Dacs, but unfortunately, l can not get any review samples at the moment. I've decided only to review what I can get into my room since I've started the channel and not to go into great detail about Dacs I've heard over the years, it would not be fair as the passage of time does blur one's memory of the finer details.

@carlmeline6091 4 ай бұрын

Thanks for the clear explanation of why the dac's ranked how they did. Told the wife that I'm getting my dream DAC and she's not thrilled, lol. There's a reason I picked-out the MPD-8 correctly in all 4 test tracks. I have a good headphone setup with Focal Utopia's and your recording setup was excellent. Very appreciative of the work you put into it and I look forward to future equipment sound demo's! Curious if you've heard the DCS Lina with the Lina Clock too? I heard it's a bit better than the Bartok. Would love to see that comparison to the MPD-8.

@shanestephenson8423 4 ай бұрын

Hi there, thanks for the kind words once again.🙏 Being an x sound engineer, I'm all about getting the recording as close to perfect as I can in my room. Obviously, I have to deal with KZfaq's compression, but on a good playback setup, you should be able to hear the majority of what I'm hearing in the room. I've often said on this channel that it's about 30 to 40% better here sitting in my chair. As for the DCS Lina, I've not heard it. I've heard their current flagship dac, which I think is as close as anything to the mpd8 I've heard so far.

@datka3 2 ай бұрын

Will have to try MPD8 in my system , I have Grimm MU2 on order it’s been said that MU2 also sounds very Analog tape like , would be interesting to run those side by side .

@shanestephenson8423 2 ай бұрын

The Grimm MU2 is a wonderful Dac as well. I'd be very curious to put them up against each other well. I'm struggling to get my hands on one as a review sample at the moment.👍🙂🎧

@datka3 2 ай бұрын

@@shanestephenson8423 I’m sure PB dual box setup is next level , congrats. Impressive looking boxes for the digital 🫶.

@bobpachner7528 7 ай бұрын

Entertaining and fun. Thanks. My ears hear differently than yours. I’d suggest another go at MSB, this time with the matching Digital Director piece. Yes, it’s more $. The new filters may be able to change your perception about their dacs. Hope you continue to enjoy yours.

@shanestephenson8423 7 ай бұрын

Yes, I haven't heard the digital director, but I just can't justify the price. I think it's for people with far more money than I have, which is cool if you can afford it.😁🎧👍

@Music_time82 7 ай бұрын

Msb is a complete waste of money. Unless you get them cheap , second hand. I've had them all, just not the select. The digital director is another scam to get addicted msb owners to part with their money. Please don't put any MSB on your channel Shane 😉 Remember it stands for Most Stable Bitch hehe

@francois3684 7 ай бұрын

Hello Shane, I’m totally ready to believe you when you talk about the Playback Design MPD8 virtues. Unfortunately I was not in your listening room for the DAC shootout - listening to KZfaq, I guess has its limitation. I am really looking forward to hearing the MPD8 perhaps at the audio show here in Montreal in march. I will let you know when I do. My own DAC setup is a combination of the Chord QUTEST with the Chord MScaler. I’ve upgraded the QUTEST PSU and added a Ifi dc Ipurifier 2. I also added a Ifi dc Ipurifier to the MScaler and when these dc Ipurifier were added it did remove the last bit of digital feel remaining in my listening experience. But still, I was really considering replacing this combo by the Holo May KTE. But now, after the DAC shootout, before I make any change, I have to listen to MPD8 to understand I good things can sound.. What I can afford is another question! 😄 So thanks again for your hard work!

@francois3684 7 ай бұрын

I’ve already mentioned it but for you can include the Grimm Audio MU2 in your futur DAC shootout, that would be great.

@shanestephenson8423 7 ай бұрын

Yes, my advice to anybody here considering anything in these kinds of price brackets is to make sure you hear it yourself in person, and preferably in your own home with your own system. It's a big investment, so you need to make sure you're happy with what you pick.👍🎧🙂

@shanestephenson8423 7 ай бұрын

I'll do my best and reach out to the dealer.

@shanestephenson8423 7 ай бұрын

@Coneman3 Yes, as far as I believe, the Grimm MU2 is a streamer as well.

@francois3684 7 ай бұрын

Yes it is a streamer as well and also integrates a relay based analog volume control.

@michaela.5363 7 ай бұрын

Need to start saving up for MPD-8

@shanestephenson8423 7 ай бұрын

You know it, brother. I have seriously stopped looking at Dacs, and I never thought I would say that.🎧👍😀

@michaela.5363 7 ай бұрын

@@shanestephenson8423I am currently happy with my Denafrips Terminator Plus dac but will definitely check this one out once the upgrade urges kick in.

@random-internet-dude 6 ай бұрын

Hey there, first time here, great explanations and all around good vibes. Good job you earned a new sub. 👍 I'm not shopping at this tier of stuff any time soon but just out of curiosity, have you heard TotalDac stuff ? And if so, do you mind sharing how does that compare to your MPD-8 ?

@shanestephenson8423 6 ай бұрын

Hi there, welcome aboard it's great to have you as part of the An Aussie Audiophile family. I haven't heard any of the TotalDac equipment, but a friend of mine has, and he says my MPD-8 is considerably better. I'm hoping to do a Dac shootout with Dacs under 5k as soon as I can get three organised so that may be of interest to you.👍🎧🙂

@random-internet-dude 6 ай бұрын

Thank you@@shanestephenson8423 Looking forward for that. If i may suggest, under 5k Merason is a brand to really consider if you see an opportunity. There's the DAC1 (which can now be upgraded to MK2) or the recently released Reuss, which to my knowledge no one has reviewed yet. It is a Swiss based brand and their philosophy is all about the analog sound, there's no DSD and others modern things to be found here, optimized from the get go for pure music. Lastly, around 5k a lot of people seems to rave about the DSDAC 1.0 Deluxe, i think it should give a fair fight to your May KTE. But ultimately, whatever comes to your hands i'm sure it will be an interesting comparisons just as this one. Cheers !

@user-hm5vm9hq9o 6 ай бұрын

Your description of the MPD-8/MPT-8 is right on the money ( at least to my ears as that’s why I bought the two pieces). I am curious if you have had experience with the Lampizator Horizon? Having heard both I think ( to my ears) I find that the Horizon bests even the PD as it offers a clarity that I have yet to hear from any DAC. Perhaps Lukasz has a better analog output stage? I’d love to know what your thoughts are.

@shanestephenson8423 6 ай бұрын

Hi there, I have heard the Horizon, but I prefer the mpd-8 over it. I think that the clarity you speak of comes across to me as being not as musical to my ears. That is what I love so much about the mpd-8 it's musicality combined with just the right amount of detail. It's just my humble opinion.🙏🎧🙂

@MrBazsi888 7 ай бұрын

Thank you for sharing this info for us. You are awesome! Have You tried Spectral? Gryphon? Nagra?

@shanestephenson8423 7 ай бұрын

Hi, thanks for the kind words 🙏🙂👍I have listened to and auditioned all three of those brands and owned a Gryphon Diablo 300 before my Vitus monos. All very nice brands.👍🎧

@MrBazsi888 7 ай бұрын

@@shanestephenson8423 Spectral was for many decades the gold standard for transistor audiophiles. If I were You I would test Spectral & Audio Note DAC's compared to PBD.

@jandof7781 6 ай бұрын

Aussie Audiophile, have you tried the top Dacs from french manufacture Jadis? The JS1 and JS2 models.

@shanestephenson8423 6 ай бұрын

Hi, yes, I have heard the JS2 briefly but didn't think it sounded quite as warm as they were suggesting it should. And on a very minor point, I just didn't like the look of it that much.👍

@ValentinoX 3 ай бұрын

When everything sounds polished, isn't it unrealistic? Some musical instruments sound harsh naturally or the voice of a singer is harsh. What is your take on this? Thanks

@sunilm3181 7 ай бұрын

Waiting for the comprehensive video on your DAC journey with your choice at different price points

@shanestephenson8423 7 ай бұрын

Yeah, that may be a little while off yet. I've got a lot going on and products starting to roll in, and I certainly want to do another one or two DAC shootouts first. If you're interested in a particular DAC, just ask me about it, and I'll be happy to tell you if I've heard it and what I think of it.👍

@sunilm3181 7 ай бұрын

Interested in Audial S5, Newontech DAC 7se , Audiomirror tubadator and Lector. All multi bit. Experience with any of these?

@ericstefko4852 7 ай бұрын

Is the Playback using a R2R ladder or a delta sigma chip?

@shanestephenson8423 7 ай бұрын

I'm sorry, I should have mentioned that in the video. No, it's an FPGA (field programmed gate array) based Dac. So when Andreas the head of playback designs and chief designer comes up with a new algorithm, it can be downloaded, and essentially, your DAC is upgraded to the latest spec. That's another reason why I was so keen to buy it.

@dragocelander6671 7 ай бұрын

If my memory serves me well, this DAC shootout used a streamer connected to each DAC via a USB interconnect. Is that correct? What did you use as your streaming device and USB interconnect?

@shanestephenson8423 7 ай бұрын

Hi Drago, the streamer is my Lumin U1 streaming transport with X1 power supply. Lumin's current flagship streamer. The USB cable for this test was the curious evolved. 👍

@dragocelander6671 7 ай бұрын

@@shanestephenson8423I recently bought an MPD-6 DAC from our favorite OCD Hi-Fi guy. I don’t stream currently but only use a SPDIF connection to the MPD-6 from a Redbook CD transport (Jays Audio CDT2 MK2, also bought from Mikey when he was a dealer for that brand). I would be curious to see how folks would have ranked the three DACs via a SPDIF connection from your MPT-8 transport. But given that’s another shootout, what are your thoughts about that SPDIF connection comparison between the top two DACs you have ranked here?

@rogerhuston8287 7 ай бұрын

HQPlayer can convert to DSD, how would that compare to the May DSD?

@shanestephenson8423 7 ай бұрын

Hi there, Yes, HQ player works quite well with the May, but I just don't like any of that kind of processing in the signal path. It can create artifacts. I very much prefer NOS, and the May KTA does that as good as anything in its price range.👍

@joshuabrain9751 7 ай бұрын

Excellent video Shane. Just wondering have you heard the Spring 3 KTE before and whether you could comment on how much better the May is? I’ve currently got the Spring 3 with Accuphase e480 and monitor audio Platinum 3G. I’m considering May as my next upgrade.

@shanestephenson8423 7 ай бұрын

Hi Josh, I have heard the spring 3 and the May is definitely another step up it just has a sense of being unflappable. I felt that the spring at times in complex passages of music tended to get a little bit overwhelmed for one of the better word. That doesn't seem to be the case with the May KTE. I also think the may has a slightly better defined lower octave. The differences aren't stark and they are both good Dacs, but the May is just that next step up again from the spring 3, in my opinion.👍🎧🙂

@joshuabrain9751 7 ай бұрын

@@shanestephenson8423 Thanks Shane. I love the Spring 3 so the May is the next logical step for me, I’ll keep an eye out on the used market I think

@shanestephenson8423 7 ай бұрын

@joshuabrain9751 Good luck they're out there. I see them from time to time.

@robertm8518 7 ай бұрын

I’ve owned the Hollo Audio Spring 3kte for about two years and then upgraded to the May KTE. The May is a definite a level above the Spring. I’d say it’s about 20% better. It’s more 3dimensional with more detail and air around the instruments a slightly wider soundstage.

@joshuabrain9751 7 ай бұрын

@@robertm8518 Thanks Robert

@elitetrader5468 7 ай бұрын

Have you ever heard the Cary Audio DMS-800PV? I've heard good things about it in the forums.

@shanestephenson8423 7 ай бұрын

No, I can't say I have.

@steverino5054 5 ай бұрын

I can't afford any of these and they'd be overkill for my system, but I'm curious what dac or price point should I be looking at with say, an accuphase integrated and mission 770 speakers. Not "high end" enough for these dacs I know, but a what dac(s) would be a good match? Thanks

@shanestephenson8423 5 ай бұрын

Hi Steve, I would suggest a good Accuphase integrated amplifier and Mission 770 speakers is a very nice system. I think the Holo Audio May kte would be a wonderful match, but also the Spring Dac, which is a step down from May, would give you lovely sonic benefits to your system as well.🎧👍

@steverino5054 5 ай бұрын

@@shanestephenson8423 Thanks, I'll look more into those two.

@dennis3779 2 ай бұрын

Forget about the may and Ares hype. In my view the TA dac 200 sounds more real. But also try the AAdac and Audio Note dac and Sugden Dac 4 and NewOntech dac and maybe the Canor tube dac and even cheaper the Holo Cyan 2 is of value and almost betters the May.

@mikelautermilch8939 7 ай бұрын

Great video. I'm so close to pulling the trigger on an MPD-8. I don't know if it's been mentioned in the comments, but the Aries Cerat DACs are reportedly as good or better than the MPD-8. They are absolutely gigantic though and range from about $30k (U.S.) to over $150k. They're R2R type DACs, NOS, and use an "inverted triode tube" in the output stage. Have you heard any of them?

@shanestephenson8423 7 ай бұрын

Hi Mike, yes, I have heard one of them. I think it was around 60k USD, but I don't know its model. It was certainly quite lovely but a little too warm in the mid range for my liking. What I love about the mpd-8 is that you get all of the detail but with none of the fatigue and being an FPGA based dac it is always upgradable which makes it future proof for many years to come. The Dacs you're talking about tend to be a little too soft around the edges, and that's how I found the one I listened to. I imagine it was probably about Midway through their range. It's still nice though don't get me wrong at that level you're right up near the top.1👍🎧🙂

@mikelautermilch8939 7 ай бұрын

@@shanestephenson8423 Thank you for that! I'll be getting an MPD-8 in the not too distant future. :)

@shanestephenson8423 7 ай бұрын

@mikelautermilch8939 Congratulations, Mike, you'll stop looking at Dacs after you have one of those. I promise you, I know I have.

@jerrysnead2842 5 ай бұрын

Ever listen to the PS Audio DSD MKII?

@shanestephenson8423 5 ай бұрын

@jerrysnead2842 Yes, I have and probably priced about right for what it is, I would say.👍

@filmnarr163 2 ай бұрын

Hi, what are You are personally thinking about the PS Audio Direct Stream Dacs? Do You know them? They convert everything to DSD as well, and I enjoyy one of them a lot! Thanks!

@shanestephenson8423 2 ай бұрын

Hi there, yes, I am familiar with them, and I have heard all of the PS audio dacs, particularly the direct stream 1 and the current direct stream Mk 2 Dac. Yes, they work on a similar principal as to what Andreas Koch of playback designs, who was instrumental in working with Sony in the original implementation of direct stream digital conversion (dsd). I'm glad you're enjoying your dac they are quite a nice component and great value for money given their sound quality.🙂👍🎧

@filmnarr163 2 ай бұрын

@@shanestephenson8423 Thanks for Your quick reply and glad to heear, about Your positive opinion. I was (and still am a little bit) in the highend business myself (Vienna/Austria) and like PS Audio products a lot (yes, value for money). If You listen to their Dacs, You don't really know , what You are missing (that's an important trick, I think) and have to spend a lot more money to beat them. It even challenges my more expensive turntable more than I ever expected from digital. I'm not sure, if I always like that 😂. The transport I own (DMP) does also a beautiful job . Nevertheless the Playback Design machines have a very good reputation here as well and are very desireable products for sure, no question. 🎹🎷🎸🎻🎶

@tthedon2471 6 ай бұрын

dear sir. i loved the video. you say you listed to 300 dacs. have you heard the totaldac r2r dac?

@shanestephenson8423 6 ай бұрын

Hi there, no, I haven't heard the TotalDac products as yet. But I am hoping to soon.👍

@tthedon2471 6 ай бұрын

i could lend you one but sadly we are oposite part of the globe :(@@shanestephenson8423

@tthedon2471 5 ай бұрын

well i had the Cen. Grand DSDAC 1.0 Deluxe for over a week in my system and i just love them, it reminds me of my reel to reel system when i was in my teens. have you heard them? the designer based it n mpd8 :)@@shanestephenson8423

@zerotoxico 6 ай бұрын

I would love to here your take on audionote uk dac level. 5

@shanestephenson8423 6 ай бұрын

Yes, that would be great. I have heard the DAC 5 signature but not in my room. As the channel grows, I'll get more influence with the dealers, and I will be reaching out to the top dealers in this country to see if I can get some review samples.🎧😁👍

@jaakanshorter 7 ай бұрын

Since the MPD-8 is the reference. Will there be a shootout of sub $1000 dacs that get the closest to that reference point?

@shanestephenson8423 7 ай бұрын

I'll have to see what I can come up with, but at some point, I'm sure we could organise that, although I must say with a maximum spend of $1,000 you're not going to get too close do the mpd-8. But I agree that every price point should be represented. Leave it with me, and I'll see what I can come up with. The only problem with this is there's so many Dacs around that price that I'm always going to be accused of leaving something out that is better than what I selected. But I take your point I need to do a video of some kind in that price bracket at some point.👍

@varindersingh7309 7 ай бұрын

@@shanestephenson8423Shane please try Netherlands based ecdesigns DAC ( 1000 Euro) .. perhaps it could be the level of Playback or May be better

@dennis3779 2 ай бұрын

In my view forget the hype of the Ares and take a look at the Holo Cyan 2 or Teac NT 505 or FX Glass tube dac or just a Schiit dac 🤔

@Charles12509 5 ай бұрын

Hello, what are you using for a streamer?…I have tried a lot of streamers against the $170 Wiim Pro into an external Dac and it just beats them…your thoughts?…

@shanestephenson8423 5 ай бұрын

Hi Charles, I was using a lumin U1 with X1 power supply, so their flagship streaming transport, and that was excellent. Now, I'm using the server streamer option in the playback designs MPT-8. It sends its signal to the MPD-8 through the glass fibre AT&T Plink. It's the best I've heard so far.👍🎧 Yes, the Wiim Pro is pretty good 👍

@Charles12509 4 ай бұрын

Do you have any experience with the Mano Ultra mk III Farad streamer from Magna HiFi from the Netherlands

@shanestephenson8423 4 ай бұрын

@Charles12509 hi Charles no sorry I know of it but have not heard it.👍

@Charles12509 4 ай бұрын

@@shanestephenson8423…it’s tough getting everything right when you afford 3000 to 5000 for each component…I did order the New Ontech Dac 07 a couple weeks ago…hopefully it turns out good..I enjoy you and Mikey’s interactions…you seem to be a honest guy…

@dyerstrayts1734 3 ай бұрын

G'Day Shane, I assume you are using the MPD8 with a preamp. According to OCD Mikey the MPD8 sounds as good, or better without preamp. I have a very, very nice sounding preamp and am considering the MPD8 at some point in the future. It would be nice if I could sell my preamp to help fund the dac. Have you tried using the MPD8 without preamp? If so, could you please tell me your impressions?

@shanestephenson8423 3 ай бұрын

Hi, The preamp in the mpd-8 is world-class, I agree with Mikey on that front, absolutely. But of course, I have a turntable, so I need a preamp. I have my Vitus pre, and the Dac sounds equally as good with its preamp function switched off if I'm going through the Vitus preamp. It really is an end-game, Dac. 🎧🙂👍

@dyerstrayts1734 3 ай бұрын

@@shanestephenson8423 Thanks for the response. Definitely is on my list.

@shanestephenson8423 3 ай бұрын

@dyerstrayts1734 It's the best dac I've heard so far in my journey of 35 years in high-end audio, and that's why I own one. I've heard over 300 dacs so far.🙂🎧👍

@dyerstrayts1734 3 ай бұрын

@@shanestephenson8423 I believe you.