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REVIEW: BorderPatrol DAC SE DAC Processors

Model:	DAC SE
Category:	DAC Processors
Suggested Retail Price:	$1350
Description:	NOS R-2R DAC Chip
Manufacturer URL:	BorderPatrol
Model Picture:	View

Review by Gary on May 01, 2018 at 15:53:16 IP Address: 96.246.147.126

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As many of us know, buying equipment can sometimes require a leap of faith. In those situations where listening before buying isn't an option there has to be a willingness to take a chance, even with the best return policy. My only acquaintance with Border Patrol products was what I'd heard at various shows. None of those experiences included this particular product.

For the past few years I've been using an iFi Micro DAC2 and iFi USB 3.0 power conditioner. I've been generally happy with these products. I certainly wasn't looking to replace them anytime soon. I then came across a Steve Guttenberg video review of the Border Patrol DAC. Steve didn't rave and didn't say it was the best he'd ever heard. What I did hear in his review made me curious. This R-2R DAC is non-oversampling, will play files up to 24/96 kHz and uses tube rectification. It will play back Tidal MQA files.

My initial reaction to seeing the specs for this unit was that there was no way I was going to put a DAC limited to 24/96 in my system. Why was I even considering this product? After some thought the answer came to me: I cannot reliably and consistently tell the difference between hi-res and redbook files. I don't think that has anything to do with equipment choices. I think it has everything to do with my hearing ability, or the lack thereof. I'm not saying there's no audible difference. I'm saying that most of the time I can't hear it. With that said I then thought that perhaps the Border Patrol unit might be something I'd like. I was intrigued by the idea of tube rectification. I'm not aware of any other audio manufacturer who does that in a DAC.

Then, there's the issue of warmth. I wanted a DAC that would narrow the gap between my preferred format, vinyl, and digital playback. The iFi equipment I have does that to an extent, but the Border Patrol DAC SE is much better in that regard. For me, there's a natural warmth and flow to the music played back through this unit. It isn't analog but at least we're now in the same neighborhood. It does this without sounding tubby or soft. I hear as much detail as I can without encountering any sharp corners. Is it accurate? Who the hell knows? At my age I'm far less interested in accuracy than I am in tone. I want equipment that doesn't wear me out. I want a presentation that invites me in and encourages me to stay for a while. I wanted a DAC that made it easier for me to wade through the choices on Tidal without thinking about how long I've been listening. For some reason, and this is my fault not iFi's, prior to the Border Patrol DAC I'd find myself often distracted by resolution questions. It got even worse after I added HQ Player by Signalyst. The sound was wonderful but I did too much clicking and not enough listening. I wanted something simpler and even better sounding. I found that in the Border Patrol DAC SE.

This thing took about three to four days to break-in. This is embarrassing but I'll admit it - The first time I listened I did so without the tube rectification turned on. I didn't even realize until I looked at the tube and could see it was powered down. I hadn't held the power button on long enough. It sounds better with tube rectification. I'll also admit to some doubts during the first twenty-four hours of listening. It sounded OK but not what I'd hoped for. It took a little more time but after that there was no doubt. I wasn't returning it. What I was hearing was definitely an improvement. The sound was open, warm and involving. I moved the iFi gear to my main desktop machine so I could still indulge any curiosity I have regarding hi-res. I know it's still early days but this device is something special.

Obviously this unit isn't going to work for anyone wanting very hi-res play back. It's retro and for me it's wonderful. I've come to enjoy streaming playback almost as much as I do vinyl. For me, that's a very welcome outcome.

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Product Weakness:	I don't know. I haven't found any yet.
Product Strengths:	Natural and engaging playback. Simplicity of use.

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Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier:	Cary Audio SA200.2
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Cary SLP 98P
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Marantz 8003, VPI Aries Black Knight
Speakers:	JM Reynaud Offrande
Cables/Interconnects:	Coincident
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz
Room Size (LxWxH):	25 x 14 x 10
Time Period/Length of Audition:	Two weeks
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner

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