Is the DAC in the Audiolab 6000n really that good?!

[Sweetspotter]

I'm streaming high quality internet radio through my Audiolab 6000n directly into my amplifier through one input.

I'm also running an audioquest cable from the Audiolab 6000n digital out into a Merason Frerot DAC with the optional power supply. That is running into another input on my amplifier.

Both using supra cables for the analogue signals.

My amplifier is a Soulnote A3 and my speakers are Graham LS5/9f, so quite revealing.

I love the sound from both inputs... because i can't hear any difference at all between them... i can A/B compare from my listening position with ease.

Is the in-built dac in the Audiolab that good?!

On the other hand, doing the same thing with my Exposure cd player, the Merason DAC is significantly better than the dac in the Exposure... it's really easy to hear the difference and to my ears, the Merason DAC is much better.

Curious to know your thoughts. Thanks.

 

[jayvis]

I think your ears and system answered your question for you.

 

[Sweetspotter]

I agree, but it really does make me wonder about much of the hyperbole in dac reviews.

 

[Isotonic]

I agree, but it really does make me wonder about much of the hyperbole in dac reviews

Do not doubt till you have heard a great dac in a great system. Your source component is vital. The high end is expensive and not available to all budgets. But that doesn't mean it isn't real.