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Post by tunkejazz on Nov 29, 2016 19:10:34 GMT
I have noticed that the output voltage of many DACs is lower than 2V. For example the Schiit Modi outputs 1.5V and my Ifi nano idsd outputs 1.65V. My dac at home outputs 2V (or 2.1V?)
Although I want to believe that DACs do not make much difference in the audiochain, but I can tell that my Ifi nano iDSD is quite rolled off on both ends of the frequency spectrum compared to the dac in my main stereo system, which is also significantly more expensive (making this comparison a bit worthless?).
Please forgive with my ignorance here but... does the output voltage of the DAC in theory have an impact on the overall sound quality that comes out of the Ember (apart from the volume)? Does it make sense to aim for a dac that can output 2V?
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solderdude
Administrator
measureutternutter
Posts: 4,881
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Post by solderdude on Nov 29, 2016 22:25:18 GMT
On direct comparison the 'louder' DAC will always be subjectively found best.
A higher output voltage is usually found on the more expensive DAC's. One reason is of technical nature. The lowest possible signal will drown in noise that is always there. In order to get a high S/N ratio number (to boast) is to use a high output voltage. Every doubling of output voltage can theoretically add 6dB to the S/N ratio.
There are limits though to what amps can handle so it won't be too high.
the Nano IDSD rolls off in the upper part only (with 44.1) but NOT in the bottom part for sure. The nano won't roll-off in the treble when upsampling (in software) to 88.2kHz. At least not when a good upsampler is used with a very steep filter.
When you compare different DACs and level match them (not an easy task) and the DACs all have decent (not rolling-off) filters then it isn't really possible to tell them apart.
You can use the Kameleon between DAC and amp and use a linear gain module that will boost the modi voltage to 2.1V if needed and can use the bypass switch to hear the substantial difference in amplitude level.
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Post by tunkejazz on Nov 30, 2016 5:55:50 GMT
Thanks for you answer Frans, it is very informative. I think my perception of having more bass with the dac at home is maybe a volume effect as you mentioned.
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