Massdrop x Grace Design Standard DAC Reviews | Drop

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Massdrop x Grace Design Standard DAC

Jul 26, 2018

Verified Buyer

Sounds better than ODAC revB but not OL DAC. No complaints at this price though, esp since OL DAC requires wall power while this does not.

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letsfixitinpost

Sep 27, 2018

phoenixsongNice to hear, I actually prefer external power instead of USB, but to each their own

Sep 27, 2018

phoenixsong

1055

Sep 27, 2018

letsfixitinpostI prefer usb because my laptop is my main rig, so it's more convenient for me to tap into usb power (sometimes there's not enough wall sockets). Of course, ultimately not at the expense sound quality :)

Sep 27, 2018

malaprop

Oct 8, 2018

phoenixsonginterested, can you describe a bit more detail about this vs. OL DAC? i'm in a tossup now between SDAC, OLDAC and D50...

Oct 8, 2018

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phoenixsong

1055

Oct 8, 2018

malapropHi I'm studying overseas at the moment and it's been several months since I last heard them, so please take the following with a pinch (or more) of salt. From memory the SDAC is smoother sounding, with the sacrifice of some detail and separation. Also, the OL DAC seems to give better definition and body to the notes of instruments and vocalists, which makes everything sound more 3D. The differences are not huge though- definitely closer than ODAC revB compared to SDAC. I did the comparison using my laptop as the source, run through an Ifi USB 3.0 nano purifier and into the DACs. For the comparison I used the Massdrop x JBL LSR30X active speakers, for I find that speakers can be more revealing of components further up the audio chain due to the extra amplification involved, in comparison to headphones

Oct 8, 2018

ELACaster

Oct 12, 2018

letsfixitinpostI was thinking of getting the OL DAC, but when I saw that this had 2 outputs I got this since it's perfect for my Magni 3 and my desktop speakers.

Oct 12, 2018

malaprop

Oct 12, 2018

ELACasterper @Brad.Clarkston : "I just tested it, the 3.5mm jack is a pass through connection so when you plug another set of headphones into the DAC the RCA connection looses voltage and cuts it's output in half to make the 3.5mm work - I'm sure I butchered that explanation. Not an optimal method. Better to get a processor that can handle multiple outputs. "
Caster I had the same thought, to use it and run outputs to my stereo amp and to my headphone amp simultaneously but this made me change my mind. I ordered an OL DAC and an OL Switcher instead (more boxes to stack! yay!)

Oct 12, 2018