Audio Research Reference DAC

[NoahG]

"Audio Research Reference DAC ($16,000). Without a doubt, this is the most technically advanced DAC on the market; yet, paradoxically, it employs a tubed output stage. That module is virtually the same as is found in the formidable Reference 5 linestage. Combined with its variable output, the Reference DAC holds the promise of also serving as a reference-caliber linestage. On the digital side, in addition to all the usual folderol, the Reference sports a digital iPod input and a thumb-drive slot right on the front panel.

But the big difference between the Reference and most DACs is its networkability. The ARC can be connected to networked music servers via either wired or wireless connectivity. That means you don’t have to bring your laptop to the DAC in order to play music files. This technique has been tried by Linn, among others, with dubious sonic results, but hopefully Audio Research has cracked the code. As if all this wasn’t enough, the Reference also boasts an Internet tuner, switchable filters, support for the DSD-over-PCM standard, and kernel-streaming. I predict this DAC will force many another maker to re-evaluate its feature set." -Alan Taffel, TAS

[Portugal]

It's an interesting product that fits on the dominant trend of blending DACs and preamps.

I'll let it mature but clearly see me trading my dac + preamp separates for a higher level one box integrated solution.

This one seems a good contender.

[Ritmo]

It is an interesting product. Waiting to see some reviews.

[redm]

Originally Posted by Portugal

It's an interesting product that fits on the dominant trend of blending DACs and preamps.

I'll let it mature but clearly see me trading my dac + preamp separates for a higher level one box integrated solution.

This one seems a good contender.

Dads and preamps have been blended dice digital outputs were introduced.. Seems like its making its way to the heist end products finally.

Sent from my iPad Mini

[Patrick Nash]

I heard one recently and it sounded very good indeed. After much was made about it combining a Ref 5 with a reference DAC I asked if it had an analogue input as well as all the digital connectivity and the answer was no.
So you still need a preamp if you've got a vinyl rig, which is a bit of a shame.

[SundayNiagara]

Over its 40 plus year history, ARC hasn't made many mistakes, but this may be one of them. There just doesn't seem to be much of a buzz!

[Amado]

Feel the same way
I will prefer to invest in the DAC8, hands down.

Sent from my iPad using A.Aficionado

[enatai252]

Originally Posted by Amado

Feel the same way
I will prefer to invest in the DAC8, hands down.

Sent from my iPad using A.Aficionado

I have both the DAC8 and the Ref DAC. In terms of sound quality, the Ref DAC is a step function improvement over the DAC8....and I love the DAC8.

Amado with the investment you have in new ARC gear...you would hear the difference you would be missing. I do think the Ref DAC is a bit of a conundrum....it's perfect as the foundation of a digital streaming system direct to amps. I have vinyl and the Ref 2SE phono so for me, the Ref DAC and Ref Phono go into a Ayre KxR pre before the REf 250s. Not sure how they are selling....but it sounds awesome.

A ado did you discuss with ARC why they put different caps in the 10...I brought my ref 40 into my dealer to compare to the 10 and quite a few of us liked the 40 better...I liked both but prefer the look of the 40 and won't be changing. Paired with Ref 150 and Alexia's which I may be trading my Sashas for

[shindostevesan]

Originally Posted by enatai252

I have both the DAC8 and the Ref DAC. In terms of sound quality, the Ref DAC is a step function improvement over the DAC8....and I love the DAC8.

Amado with the investment you have in new ARC gear...you would hear the difference you would be missing. I do think the Ref DAC is a bit of a conundrum....it's perfect as the foundation of a digital streaming system direct to amps. I have vinyl and the Ref 2SE phono so for me, the Ref DAC and Ref Phono go into a Ayre KxR pre before the REf 250s. Not sure how they are selling....but it sounds awesome.

A ado did you discuss with ARC why they put different caps in the 10...I brought my ref 40 into my dealer to compare to the 10 and quite a few of us liked the 40 better...I liked both but prefer the look of the 40 and won't be changing. Paired with Ref 150 and Aidas....which I may be trading my Sashas for

Could you go into more detail about the improvements of the Ref DAC over the DAC8? Do you feel the price difference is mainly justified by that improvement or the addition of the line stage pre-amp? Thanks.

[mbovaird]

Originally Posted by enatai252

I have both the DAC8 and the Ref DAC. In terms of sound quality, the Ref DAC is a step function improvement over the DAC8....and I love the DAC8.

Amado with the investment you have in new ARC gear...you would hear the difference you would be missing. I do think the Ref DAC is a bit of a conundrum....it's perfect as the foundation of a digital streaming system direct to amps. I have vinyl and the Ref 2SE phono so for me, the Ref DAC and Ref Phono go into a Ayre KxR pre before the REf 250s. Not sure how they are selling....but it sounds awesome.

A ado did you discuss with ARC why they put different caps in the 10...I brought my ref 40 into my dealer to compare to the 10 and quite a few of us liked the 40 better...I liked both but prefer the look of the 40 and won't be changing. Paired with Ref 150 and Aidas....which I may be trading my Sashas for

Your dealer has a REF 10? Interesting. They are very hard to come by (as I found out).