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Delta-Sigma vs. R2R

In 1996 I purchased the Adcom 600 DAC with the Theta Data Basic Transport.Very happy with the purchase. In 2003 I got the upgrade bug. So, I wanted to hear the latest in DAC technology. (99% of my listening is to classical piano music). So I purchased the Theta GEN 5A ($5500) which had a bloated bass line that caused the octave below middle C to dominate the right hand (non-starter). Next up was the Levinson No. 36 DAC ($4000) which had the same issue as the GEN 5A but to a lesser extent. Next up was the Wadia 850 CD Player ($5000) - Sound was very thin with no body. Lastly I tried the BAT VKD5 CD player which I liked and kept. The BAT is similar in sound quality to the Adcom DAC. I currently use Adcom and BAT CD player in my system. The Adcom and BAT come very close to providing the aural image of a grand piano.

In late 2023, 20 years later, I decided to try a Delta-Sigma DAC with the latest ESS chip technology ($4000). I will not mention the brand but I was very disappointed. This D/S DAC did not provide the body and weight of a grand piano (not even close). So, after this long write-up is D/S inferior to R2R? (The Adcom and BAT are R2R but different technology than the R2R of today). Last question - What DAC(s) would you suggest I audition which display the proper body and weight of a grand piano? Thank you.


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Topic - Delta-Sigma vs. R2R - scriabin 09:31:57 02/12/24 (113)

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