What is the NOS DAC sound?

Thinking of buying one of these and was feeling a little lazy searching through old posts.

Looking for details on
- overall tonal balance
- is the treble grain-free?
- bass weight and control
- dynamics
- timing

The cost seems to be worth a punt anyway.

Is it likely to improve my Alpha 9? The alpha9 is just a little too warm and laid back for my liking nowadays.

Someone mentioned that the input impedence on the preamp seems to affect the sound. I have a 50kohm load on Bp25 and another 50kohm load on my 4bsst.

(There was a review of a 47labs which suggested that a "safer" 100kohm load actualy caused potentially audible distortion artifacts).

 

There isn't a NOS sound IMO, it's the powersupply, grounding and output that makes the sound. I can't hear the digital filter, so I may aswell bin it.

 

Right, it's all in the implementation. Sort of like asking what does the BB PCM1704 DAC sounds like.

I'll further clarify my question...

How does the Derek Shek's NOS DAC sound??

 

If that's the one michaelab has, it sounds very like a 47 Labs Shigaraki, i.e., just about "right" in all respects.

-- Ian, 47 Labs brand whore

 

Welcome back from Japan

 

It is the one I have...and I agree with the above

Michael.

 

You're very kind. You should go to Tokyo and check out the record shops dude...

-- Ian

 

I'd love to!. Travelling to Japan and Hong Kong is a lifetimes ambition for me.. I'll do it one day.

I bet it was an amazing experience.

 

Also, the price of hifi is amazingly cheap. If something is not brand new (as in literally out there door), you can get them at amazing prices.

 

OK-- I just took the plunge!!

I just paypaled Derek for one of his now almost-famous DACS. I am currently using a Rega Planet 2000. Let's hope this little baby will perk up my Rega and not make me hate myself for dropping a fair wad on a small plastic box from China sight-unheard!!

Michaelab-- I am trusting you on this one big-time. If I hate this DAC, we are no longer friends. I'm removing this site from my 'favorites' and I mean it-- hardcore!

David

 

In my system it sounds a little unsophisticated [sorry, but that's the best I can do], not very hi-fi, but really musical. If I didn't have the DAC64 I could certainly live with it.

Paul

 

I've heard a DAC64 in my system... it was pretty damn good, but about 20 times the cost of a NOS DAC where I live.

 

yogus, ignoring the fact my NOS DAC has a problem (tis on its way back to Derek as we speak) i found it great in my system.
as for the sound, as ever its a completely subjective thing but to my mind, in my system

the sound is more forward, but nothing like 'in your face'
there is greater detail and separation but nothing like what i call 'clinical' levels
very musical
very natural

i loved it, very much looking forward to getting it back

and dont forget the value for money as well.....

hope that helps

 

I don't think mine does detail that well, could be entirely down to synergy with rest of components [or lack of it]...

Paul

 

I dont think I would say mine is more 'detailed' than other cdp's/dacs Ive tried although it seems to push the mid range more foward which can give that impression. I use mine with a valve power amp and a passive pre, I love it.

 

Its also very easy on the ear Ive never felt uncormfortable listening to my system as it is now whilst I can quite easily begin to get uncormfortable listening to other systems. Alot of this is down to the amp, that lovely valve sound but the nos DAC does make a big contribution.

 

I swapped my DAC64 for the 47 Labs. Smart move if you ask me.

-- Ian

 

I listened to an Art DI/O upsampling dac the other day and it improved my coplands drive and enthusiasm - most impressed.

 

If the NOS DAC is "forward", then it should suit me fine. I need all the midrange I can get with an Arcam CDP and PMC speakers.

 

My NOS should be arriving next week