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elad_e
6
Jun 4, 2018
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What is the diference between this and the audio-gd 11 R2R in sound quality?
Except from the amp, what is the difference in the terms of build between them?
mtmercer
47
Jun 4, 2018
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elad_eThe head-fi thread has some useful comparisons:
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/massdrop-x-airist-audio-r-2r-dac-a-discrete-resistor-ladder-dac-for-350.881315/#post-14283115
The mention I saw of the R2R 11 was overall negative. I have not heard the R2R 11, but I am an Audio-GD fan (HE-9 owner) owner.
The mention I saw of the R2R 11 was overall negative. I have not heard the R2R 11, but I am an Audio-GD fan (HE-9 owner) owner.
CEE_TEE
3480
Jun 5, 2018
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elad_eWe didn't design or participate in the 11 R2-R but if it uses a method other than sign-magnitude, it is a different implementation...
MarcSpence
180
Jun 5, 2018
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MarcSpenceWow. I just read thru all the buzz on headfi...looks like winner, winner, chicken dinner..
MarcSpence
180
Jun 5, 2018
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CEE_TEEThe the dac in the 11 has been slammed before. audio gd is great but appears that model is trying to do too much for sub 400 ?
elira
222
Jun 5, 2018
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elad_eThe R2R-11 is a NOS dac, this one I assume has some kind of OS. The ladder construction seems similar, but as mentioned by CEE_TEE it's a different implementation. The R2R-11 has an Amanero board instead of the XMOS. Also the R2R-11 has a built-in power supply. Sound quality I couldn't tell you because I haven't tried the Massdrop one but I'm pretty happy with the R2R-11. My guess is that both have similar performance, but I'm pretty sure the sound signature is going to be different.
WilliamTse
102
Founder, Airist Audio
Jun 6, 2018
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elad_eHey elad_e,
The R2R-11 is an impressively built DAC, with a beefy linear power supply in the box as well as an amplified output. I don’t have direct experience but it seems like a great combo product. Part of the implementation in the R2R-11 is an auxiliary resistor network to compensate for the tolerances in the main ladder. The RDAC aimed to make the most of smaller space, and we also prefer the style of the simpler basic R-2R architecture. I wouldn’t make any judgments on sound quality, the difference is more a matter of sound signature.
The R2R-11 is an impressively built DAC, with a beefy linear power supply in the box as well as an amplified output. I don’t have direct experience but it seems like a great combo product. Part of the implementation in the R2R-11 is an auxiliary resistor network to compensate for the tolerances in the main ladder. The RDAC aimed to make the most of smaller space, and we also prefer the style of the simpler basic R-2R architecture. I wouldn’t make any judgments on sound quality, the difference is more a matter of sound signature.
elad_e
6
Jun 6, 2018
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WilliamTseThanks for the reply.
So the main reason to buy the Airist is if you want R2R DAC only in reasonable price?
Because in, either way, you have to buy a seprate amp.
WilliamTse
102
Founder, Airist Audio
Jun 6, 2018
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elad_eBeyond the differences in size and output amplification, it's mostly a subjective decision. I'm sure you'd be enjoy the sound from both!
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