Musical Fidelity V-DAC Vs. Beresford TC-7510 Mk6/latest
Hi,
I'm new here, but just wanted to post the results of a very interesting side-by-side I engaged in at a branch of HiFi Corner, primarily to save someone else the time and effort of comparing the two themselves. The context was that I had been in expressing an interest in a budget (sub-£200) DAC for my Mac-sourced system, and this was all they could offer. Another nearby second-hand hifi store was offering a Flying Cow---highly rated, I believe, but lacking the variable output, boasting a superfluous ADC section and not offering RCA sockets---and a Meridian 203, which I read hasn't aged as well as other DACs, sounding a little "woolly" ( I think that was the term).
The staff in HiFi Corner were doubtful that my current top-of-the-list item, the 7510, was capable of standing up to the V-DAC, given:
1) its apparent lack of distinguished heritage
2) the greater number of features offered compared to the V-DAC (single-input, no variable output) for £10 less (including P&P)
Actually, fair arguments. So they offered to let me come in and do the side-by-side once I'd purchased the 7510 so I could confirm (or otherwise) that it was worth the money.
The results were, I'm sure to many here, not a surprise—--but for the staff of HiFi Corner, it certainly was; and for me, a pleasant justification.
The reference system was a pair of floor-standing Harbeth speakers and a Sugden pre/power combo---sorry, didn't note the exact models, but I can find out if people are interested. The source was my MBP through the Ixos cable. The Beresford had been run-in for a good 50 hours, the V-DAC considerably less.
Started off with Miles Davis' "Solea" from Sketches Of Spain. The difference was immediately apparent. The staff member sitting with me thought the Beresford made it clear we were listening to Miles Davis, where the V-DAC did not. Personally, what caught my attention was the breadth of detail in the trumpet—I could hear Miles taking his breath and beginning to blow, where the V-DAC missed this completely. It was so much more obvious that this was an instrument being played by a human being, as opposed to sounds simply being fed or generated through a hi-fi. Positioning and sound-staging were also better, and the Beresford lacked a harshness, especially with one particularly prolonged note. Altogether more hi-fi, in the literal sense. The HiFi Corner chap pointed out that the Beresford was far better at making clear that the drummer was using brushes on the hi-hats.
Next was a piece from The Shawshank Redemption soundtrack, "Shawshank Prison (Stoic Theme)", with its deep, resounding cello and smooth strings. The Beresford held that deep cello bass in check, and there was far more sense of space around it. As with Miles Davis' trumpet, there was a far greater sense of "an instrument being played"---you could hear the notes beginning as the bow ran across the strings. It also inspired thoughts of the film far more than did the V-DAC.
I enjoyed myself the most with the next two tracks, both from the 28 Days Later soundtrack: "Taxi (Ave Maria)" sung by Perri Alleyne; and "Season Song" by Blue States. (I learned from the HiFi Corner member of staff who was sitting with me that pipe organs (as accompanying Perri Alleyne) are a good test of a hi-fi's ability, as are female vocals.) The Beresford frankly kicked booty here, with both tracks.
Perri Alleyne sounded excellent, and I particularly noted being able to hear her close and part her lips as she sang and took breaths—something entirely missing with the V-DAC. The organ was also far better, with the puffy, air-fed nature reproduced far more clearly. I even imagined I could hear the organist pressing the keys, or at least appreciate the analogue nature of the presses themselves—--notes didn't just start, they were preceded by the distinct sound of the person playing them, with the increase in pressure.
"Season Song" was just generally funkier, with the triangle distinct and well-placed, and the children's chorus clearer, the words more distinct and easier to understand (though, in fairness, I think only marginally). We both found our feet tapping easily to the Beresford, not at all to the V-DAC.
Overall, positioning, detail and timing were far better with the Beresford. We both agreed that it held the music together better. The HiFi Corner guy also kept referring to the Beresford's output as having greater "texture". Not a term I'm familiar with in this context, but I can have a stab. In short, he was sold on it. I went home feeling content with my new purchase.
…And they all lived happily ever after. The end (?)
Hope this is interesting or useful for someone. *grin*
