Soncoz SGD1 DAC - Review

[StingRay]

This? https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threa...ack-10.162778/

No it was not that one, it was a longer thread with a more general topic about recordings.

[Macca]

No it was not that one, it was a longer thread with a more general topic about recordings.

Right - well I did have a listen to it - it's the original CD release - at pretty high levels and I couldn't hear any overload on the vocal, or any distortion. Even when she's really going for it. I couldn't hear the ticking from the 'damaged tape' on 'The Last Time I saw Richard' that they were talking about on that thread I linked to either, despite listening very intently.

Could be ,my hearing I suppose.. I know the power amp I'm using isn't the most transparent so maybe that's it? Or maybe there just isn't a problem with the recording at all?. I mean Joni produced it herself.

If I had to bet, I'd bet it's not the recording.

I will try it again with a different power amp in the system at some point though, just out of interest.

[Macca]

Just trying the Soncoz as a pre-amplifier hooked straight into a Philips 380 'Black Tulip' power amp. Sounds excellent! So far anyway, I've only played half an album.

[walpurgis]

Sounds like you've got a good result there Martin. A decent DAC can make a huge difference. I suspect many have not heard music through one, hence comments suggesting CD is inferior.

[Macca]

I'm guess there are cheaper DACs that would sound just as good. But I liked the orange display and the fact that the measurements are so close to perfect.

I'm more surprised that it has effectively made my pre-amp redundant though.

I don't think the problems that some people have with digital have much to do with the DAC though.

[Discopants]

Shouldnt this be in the digital forum rather than this one ?


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[Macca]

Shouldnt this be in the digital forum rather than this one ?


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Strokes of Genius
(3 Viewing)
Tell us of any fantastic tweaks, free or otherwise, which have transformed your system. Also post reviews of equipment and ancillaries.

[Discopants]

I assumed they would mean reviews of tweaks and ancillary equipment, there are loads of reviews of DACs in the digital forum already.


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[Macca]

Nope, it is all reviews of anything, doesn't matter what it is. This issue has been raised before which is how I know

[Macca]

okay after more extended listening the DAC can't replace my pre-amp. Might be a dynamic range issue with it being a digital volume control. I had it about halfway round but the sound was a bit 'sat on'. I didn't think there was still this issue with digital volume losing dynamic range if not flat out but certainly does sound like it. Maybe it is something else. Anyway, as a consequence I've scrapped the idea of using it as a pre-amp too.