T+A DAC 200

On 8/2/2022 at 4:59 PM, The Computer Audiophile said:

To do DSD1024 on my CAPS Twenty computer, I have to adjust the modulators down from ASDM7ECv2 to something else. I'm listening to DSD256 at ASDM7ECv2 right now will switch to DSD1024 in a bit. 

 

The PC I'm using is here - 

 

Thank you for sharing your build. That is a beast of a computer and clean looking. Nice vid too, I like the VU meters a lot. This helps me a lot and gives me some inspiration for a build.🙏
 

On 8/2/2022 at 5:10 PM, Miska said:

 

Try DSD256 first. For example with:

1x=poly-sinc-gauss-long

Nx=poly-sinc-gauss-hires-lp

Modulator=ASDM7ECv2

 

You can then try higher rates. But I'd say it is very good at DSD256.

 

Thank you for the suggestion. I'll try it using that combination of filters 👍

20 hours ago, OE333 said:

Why not use an external NAA ?

A RK3399 or RK3328 based SBC and DietPi might be a good starting point...

Or even better something that runs NAA OS. Such as RasPi4 or some Atom based device.

On 8/2/2022 at 5:10 PM, Miska said:

 

Try DSD256 first. For example with:

1x=poly-sinc-gauss-long

Nx=poly-sinc-gauss-hires-lp

Modulator=ASDM7ECv2

 

You can then try higher rates. But I'd say it is very good at DSD256.

 

🤯I like!! I couldn't get anywhere near 256 DSD on the filters listed above, but I was able to convert to DSD 64. I noticed more dynamics and more depth right away. When I try DSD 128 it get too choppy. 

3 hours ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

I'm listening with this "prescription" through the DAC200 now. Sound is stellar. This DAC and HQP are able to pull my focus back to two channel, away from Atmos for the moment. Life is good :~)

I REALLY like the poly-sinc-gauss-hires-lp

Chris, I know this is review adjacent but I’d love to hear your opinion on HQplayer vs. Roon’s integrated DSD 512 conversion through the DAC200.

Fund a typo on the T+A DAC200 page :~)

The real story is that I'm listening today, blown away by the DAC200, and researching how T+A is managing to obtain this high level of performance. The stumbled upon the typo.

I'm also willing to bet the DAC200 handles 705.6 kHz, rather than stopping at 354.8 kHz (also a typo) for the 44.1 clock. Just a guess. (OK, just tasted it. 705.6 works fine.)

3 hours ago, The Computer Audiophile said:

Fund a typo on the T+A DAC200 page :~)

 

The real story is that I'm listening today, blown away by the DAC200, and researching how T+A is managing to obtain this high level of performance. The stumbled upon the typo.

 

I'm also willing to bet the DAC200 handles 705.6 kHz, rather than stopping at 354.8 kHz (also a typo) for the 44.1 clock. Just a guess. (OK, just tasted it. 705.6 works fine.)

 

Dear Chris,

thank you for pointing out these typos on the T+A website.

And yes, you are absolutely correct: the DAC200 doesn't stop at 352.8 kSps, it can handle PCM 705.8 kSps signals as well.

On 8/14/2022 at 11:05 AM, Allan F said:

 

I think I found a typo in the above. :~)

 

I am really looking forward to your review of the T+A DAC200 as it is on a short wish list of DACs below $10,000CAD.

+1
Same here.

Hey Chris.  Looking forward to receiving mine next week.  Have a really good power cable ready and using an Aurender N20 as the main source.  Quick question - Dave told me today (he's not been there long) that there is a way to control the filter selection from an app.  That would be great.  If you mentioned it in your review I missed it.  Can you confirm?  Thanks

14 minutes ago, rom661 said:

Hey Chris.  Looking forward to receiving mine next week.  Have a really good power cable ready and using an Aurender N20 as the main source.  Quick question - Dave told me today (he's not been there long) that there is a way to control the filter selection from an app.  That would be great.  If you mentioned it in your review I missed it.  Can you confirm?  Thanks

That should be a nice combo. I love my N20.

I know T+A has apps, but I don't know of a way to switch the DAC 200 filters with an app. 

4 hours ago, rom661 said:

Quick question - Dave told me today (he's not been there long) that there is a way to control the filter selection from an app.

Filters can be controlled in the following ways:

1.) Front panel buttons

2.) IR remote control

3.) IOS or Android APP through MP200 (DAC200 can not be controlled from an APP directly, MP200 needed !)

4.) RS232 (CTRL socket on the rear panel)  If anybody is interested in the RS232 control protocol, just let me know.

13 hours ago, OE333 said:

 

Filters can be controlled in the following ways:

1.) Front panel buttons

2.) IR remote control

3.) IOS or Android APP through MP200 (DAC200 can not be controlled from an APP directly, MP200 needed !)

4.) RS232 (CTRL socket on the rear panel)  If anybody is interested in the RS232 control protocol, just let me know.

 

Thanks.  A long time industry friend vis Madrigal and Classe just came on boar at %+A.  He didn't think it could be done via IR.  Good to hear.

On 8/4/2022 at 3:38 PM, The Computer Audiophile said:

I'm listening with this "prescription" through the DAC200 now. Sound is stellar. This DAC and HQP are able to pull my focus back to two channel, away from Atmos for the moment. Life is good :~)

Thanks for your excellent review on the DAC200. Certainly made me itchy for an upgrade!! With regards to choice of digital filters, i wonder if it really depends on the genre of music you listen to?
I also started off with the “prescription” dsd256 7ECV2 modulator with Gauss xla @1x and hires LP @nx. It sounds absolutely beautiful for jazz. Recently I am listening to more metal/rock/alternative - ie tonight I listened to The Pineapple Thief’s Nothing But the Truth and are actually finding the gauss long/xla or the linear phase filters a bit “soft”, lacking a bit of “attack”, and much prefer the shorter MP filters……

Perhaps I also have a tube preamp and at the end of the day it’s down to personal preference.

Deric

Regarding the DAC 200 volume control.  Does anyone know if there is any bit truncation when using reduced variable volume levels to the XLR/RCA ouputs? 

8 hours ago, jrsub said:

Does anyone know if there is any bit truncation when using reduced variable volume levels to the XLR/RCA ouputs? 

Volume control is analog via gold contact relays in 1dB steps from -90 to 0, look german review: https://www.ta-hifi.de/wp-content/uploads/image_hifi_testbericht_serie_200.pdf

Thank you for the response StreamFidelity.   After I wrote my question here I did in fact get in touch with T+A and they responded this morning also stating that it is a analog volume control and that with the circuit used there is no loss of dynamics or data.   Good to hear.

I purchased the T+A DAC 200 and should get it in a few weeks.    Does anyone know if using a USB reclocker such as the Wyred 4 Sound Recovery makes any sense to use with the DAC 200?  I currently use one on my Wyred DAC ,but not sure it is needed with the DAC200.

4 minutes ago, jrsub said:

I purchased the T+A DAC 200 and should get it in a few weeks.

Wise move. T+A has been gracious enough to let me continue using the DAC 200 in my work, for a little while. It's a superb DAC.

Good info Miska, thanks.  I'll check out the Intona.