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Showing 1 of 62 conversations about:
lyazo
12
Aug 15, 2018
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Heavyboxer
382
Aug 16, 2018
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lyazoIf output power was everything, the US229 Emotiva a100 would beat 5K~10k amps to a pulp.
HappyPlace
12
Aug 16, 2018
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lyazoS6 DAC is just superior and smooth compared to any Sabre DACs
lyazo
12
Aug 17, 2018
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HappyPlaceDX7s' test results are given in Amir's excellent review list. I did not find S6's test though.
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/master-index-for-audio-hardware-reviews.2079/
https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/master-index-for-audio-hardware-reviews.2079/
PorchSong
117
Aug 17, 2018
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HappyPlaceNot really true. First, look at the objective graphs. Second, listen to them. The Topping D50 is one of the best objectively measured DACs in its price range--and actually far above its price range. Furthermore, it sounds simply amazing. So, I would disagree with your opinion that the AK4495S is superior.
HappyPlace
12
Aug 17, 2018
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PorchSongI have both the D50 and S6 myself and the D50 just sounds sterile to be although it's very clean. S6 is much more musical and will not make most bright headphones sibilant while not losing any details at all.
PorchSong
117
Aug 17, 2018
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HappyPlaceNow, that is a much better comparison of the two DAC chips. Again, I would suggest the implementation of the DACs have a lot to do with it. Some Sabres set ups sound pretty bad, but Topping seemed to nail this one--at least for my ears. I'm not knocking the S6 at all--I plan on getting one. I love what Aune is doing in the market--their attention to detail and finish is important and says a lot about a company. I have their X7s and think that amp is outstanding. But thank you for clarifying the two DACs.
HappyPlace
12
Aug 17, 2018
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PorchSongI guess the day I learnt about the DAC difference is when I auditioned for STAX L300. And the Amp/ Energiser only available at the shop was the 252S basic model. The L300 needs warm/ neutral DAC like the S6 to shine. If paired with X7S/ D50 it just sounds thin and sharp like the entry Beyers on solid states. But I do have to give credit to Sabre DACs for when you listen to pure classical/ orchestra with no vocals. It just feels like you are there live and all the details can be easily heard provided the headphone themselves are neutral/ neutral bright.
lyazo
12
Aug 17, 2018
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HappyPlaceThis makes sense to me. Are you saying that AK4495 (as used in S6) has a warm signature, more tube-like sound while keeping the sound still analytical? In general, I believe Nwavguy's philosophy that a good DAC/amp should disappear on the path from the source to ears. I would expect Amir to publish a test on S6 and compare with the stunning result of DX7s.
HappyPlace
12
Aug 17, 2018
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lyazoI wouldn’t go as far as to say the S6 is warm because there isn’t too much coloration as compared to the R2R DACs or tube amps. It’s just I find DACs that do well in measurements can only do well with warm / non treble emphasised headphones. As a matter of fact, you will hear people saying it is sharp sometimes with HE4xx When paired with Sabre DACs. I find changing the DACs solves the issue as compared to changing amp which normally introduces quite a bit of coloration to make it warm if that makes sense. And of course YMMV. All I’m saying is, we all can get a 6xx as a baseline or reference. For DACs, I still believe if a person were to have only one DAC, a non Sabre DAC would be a better choice because of the sharp/ sibilant possibilities mentioned. Lastly, if listening on low volume, then the Sabre DACs can be a good choice as the best way to combat sibilant issues is to lower down the volume. It’s not for me, but it works for many people. I listen to 85dB or above normally.
lyazo
12
Aug 19, 2018
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HappyPlaceThis really helps. My everyday listening gear is Raspberry Pi3 - D10 DAC - O2 Amp - HD650. I am looking to upgrade to a desktop DAC/Amp. I think I would choose a DX7s though. Thank you for your comments. BTW, 85dB is not a healthy sound pressure. :)
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S6/S7: 32/384kHz, XLR Output: 450mW@300ohms, for $750 DX7s: 32/768kHz, XLR Output: 546mWx2@300ohms, for $379
Is there anywhere that S6/S7 excels to justify its price? Can someone who have both give some comments? Any feedback will be appreciated.