ESS dac chip filters

Posted by KanedaK (A) on February 21, 2020 at 01:10:47

I have this SMSL SU-8 DAC as main source in my system - really a fantastic device in regard to price.

Since day one I've been using the "number one" default filter which is "fast linear". I have to say that I used to not be able to hear enough difference between different filters to really compare between them.

BUT a recent upgrade in my system - namely the substitution of my previous active crossover for a much more transparent one- changed that, as today I decided to try different filters again and was shocked to hear much more differences between them. I'm now unsure between the default "fast linear" (detailed and fast, bright, exciting but ultimately a bit "flat"), "fast minimum" (more rounded, fleshed out; singer has a more "material" presence but leading edge of attacks seems slightly softer; treble seems softer as well but subjectively less detailed and exciting), and "slow minimum" (similar to the above in the ability to "flesh out" the instruments, maybe the image seems less centered and more "wide", treble seems a bit weird and not "flat and neutral" but who knows what is actually "correct"? low mids seems a tad more prominent and rounded)

I would actually prefer to not hear so much difference as I don't wanna have another crisis of "audiophile nervousia" trying to figure out what's best ^^lol.

What are you ESS users using as default filter? It seems it might depend on the preferred music genre? "fast minimum" seems well matched to acoustic music and classical, "slow minimum" seems cool for classic rock and tracks with a lot of "boogie factor", while "fast linear" seems the best for high transient modern music. But I don't feel like switching filter and will try to decide what is the best all-rounder.

I haven't yet given a serious listen to the other filters.

Curious to read your experiences.

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Topic - ESS dac chip filters - KanedaK 01:10:47 02/21/20 (0)

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