I'm a big fan of NOS r2r DACs and to me they sound the most analogue of anything I've tried.
Personally I view the psu to be one of the most importand parts of a DAC
What does "sound analog" mean? In the case of r2r DAC's, I assume it means non-linearity?
Some early/primitive/badly designed DACs are really sensitive to power supplies, more modern designs less so.
Just wondering if someone has experienced the Audial Model S Dac (TDA1541A).
Please share your thoughts and opinion about it. Is it really special and worth to own?
Thanks
If you don't know what analogue sounds like I suggest you do some more listening to music.
A DAC has an analogue output stage and this is can be badly impacted by a poor power supply or improved by a very good one.
Thanks for your comments Yomanze,
Did you compare any CD players to Audial + Pioneer DV717?
Please share your thoughts on this. I have a CDS3/XPS and I wonder if Audial+Transport will bring more musicality compared to top Naim CD Players.
It's nice to hear someone speaking about this DAC. If you are in the North West I would be happy to come and demo my unit.
I've owned one for years, I have the MK1 version with Output Transformers. Compared to other DACs these things stand out to me: 3D soundstage, incredibly natural tone & timbre, instrument separation (feeling of 'hanging in space') and beautiful dynamic contrast. In other words, some of the positive traits associated with vinyl or R2R are there, without the negatives. To these ears other DACs sound harder, flatter and more fatiguing, or are too 'smoothed over'.
Pedja Rogic is one of those rare people who can back up his subjective experiences with a traditional, measurements-based approach to audio engineering. His AYA DAC was incredibly well-received in DIY circles, and the Model S has been largely unchanged since its release as his 'statement' of what can be done with the TDA1541A. It is a *notoriously* difficult DAC to work with, and get right, when you look inside the Model S, it's pretty much all power supply...
You can read my review here: http://theaudiostandard.net/thread/429/audial-model-dac
The Border Patrol looks interesting, am also a fan of the NOS R2R style of DAC, but it'll be limited by the TDA1543 it is using, so I wouldn't expect the refinement or micro dynamics of the Audial DAC - bet I'd still enjoy it though. I've owned an Audiosector NOS DAC too, which was nice, but didn't have the dynamics or refinement at the top end like the Audial does.
IMHO the Audial Model S is one of the best DACs that can be found at any price. It flies below the radar though, like a lot of my kit does...
They don't do 24 bit, do they?
Apologies for reviving this old thread. I’ve only recently got in to streaming and the use of standalone DACs. Although impressive , I do find that the two ones I have , although both different , still sound “digital” , so I’m intrigued to try something NOS
I’m more interested in something that sounds good than absolute measurements but I’m loath to fork out on something like this without listening. Are there any dealers in the U.K. ? Ditto re Border Patrol
Audial gear is sold direct, so no UK dealers I’m afraid. The measurements are also good...
I didn’t feel like I was taking a risk when I bought one. You could look out for an AYA DAC for a lower risk (lower price) option.
The new S5 has just been released, with a lot more input flexibility than mine.
What is the rest of your system?