HI-FI Choice

Magazine October 2011

effects boxes / signal processors compared:

New life for old systems

What was tested? Six DACs were reviewed and rated on sound quality, value for money, build quality and features. Subscription , Go to publisher

Results of this test:

compare	1	Electrocompaniet PD-1 5 out of 5 stars – Grouptest Winner Value for money: 4 out of 5 stars Hi-Fi Choice considered the Electrocompaniet PD-1 to be a fine piece of equipment that offered some good features. Sound was extremely well balanced and scored well on both thrill and resolution, although it could have been a little more dynamic. It is a pity though that the maximum sampling frequency available when using USB is 48kHz. more ... (4 tests)
compare	1	NuForce DAC9 5 out of 5 stars – Recommended Value for money: 4 out of 5 stars Hi-Fi Choice deemed the NuForce DAC9 to be a capable device with decent provisions for both input and output. The upper midrange has been lifted a little which has the effect of making some music sound grungy. Generally though, frequency extremes had good extension, timing was incredibly good and the headphone output is superb.
compare	3	Cyrus Electronics DAC X+ 4 out of 5 stars Value for money: 4 out of 5 stars Although the Cyrus DAC X+ has a clear and powerful bass and offers decent ergonomics and the opportunity to upgrade, Hi-Fi Choice still felt it fell behind the competition where detail resolution was concerned. There is a lack of accuracy and insight from the sound. Also having no USB input is a bit disappointing. more ... (2 tests)
compare	3	Lavry Engineering LavryBlack DA11 4 out of 5 stars Value for money: 4 out of 5 stars The user interface on the Larvy DA11 is irritating, but the unit comes with a decent range of inputs as well as some versatile features. The performance was considered by Hi-Fi Choice to be very candid, although they say it was not close enough to the music to get them really excited, and there is a slight loss of detail.
compare	3	M2Tech Young DAC 4 out of 5 stars – Recommended Value for money: 5 out of 5 stars According to Hi-Fi Choice, the sound from the M2Tech Young DAC offered clarity and lots of detail in an energetic yet straightforward and subtle manner, although it was sometimes lacking something in the way of deep bass and could occassionally sound overly bright depending on the material. Its maximum USB sample rates of 384kHz are impressive too. more ... (3 tests)
compare	3	Sim Audio Moon 300D 4 out of 5 stars Value for money: 4 out of 5 stars The Moon 300D offers a balanced, minimal-stress performance and Hi-Fi Choice say that definition was decent regardless of conditions. One listener found the treble overly bright at times, though generally most listeners found the treble to sound very clear. Timing and pace were also good without being over-emphasised and bass extension is deep, although it lacks a bit of precision.