Soekris DAC2541 Review And Measurements

Discussion in 'Digital: DACs, USB converters, decrapifiers' started by purr1n, Nov 11, 2020.

  1. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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    @atomicbob Did you happen to re-measure KTE Spr2? That THDN vs Amplitude curve didn't match any of your previous post. See below.

    USB(Asio) in Bal out
    upload_2021-2-19_20-43-17.png

    USB in SE out
    upload_2021-2-19_20-44-35.png

    SPDIF in Bal out
    upload_2021-2-19_20-44-55.png

    SPDIF in SE out
    upload_2021-2-19_20-45-20.png

    All the four above came from this post: https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/kte-spring2-technical-measurements.9258/

    I'm pretty sure Spring 2 has superior (lower noise) power that could result in the difference (over 2541). But wondering where the specific curve above came from.
     
  2. atomicbob

    atomicbob dScope Yoda

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    The specific curve I showed above was from another test run 11 days after the one I posted in the forum for the KTE Spring2, which had been powered on continuously. Additional time may have allowed more settling of the R2R ladder. Spring2 has a superior noise floor as well.
     
  3. boxerfan88

    boxerfan88 New

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    from atomicbob’s posted charts, wow the Spring2 measured performance looks really good...
     
  4. atomicbob

    atomicbob dScope Yoda

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    The additional measurement report for KTE Spring2 AES input Bal output has been uploaded here
    This data was measured 11 days after the one initially posted.
     
  5. hpamdr

    hpamdr New

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    Did some of you used alternate filter on dac2541 ?
    How can it impact measurement ?
    (On dac1541 which i currently use with TNT Filter for all my redbook listening i do not feel that it lack of macro dynamics or details at least with F.A. Euforia)
     
  6. atomicbob

    atomicbob dScope Yoda

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    Static measurements are minimally impacted by filter response. Certain dynamic measurements demonstrate differences. Please look at this post
     
  7. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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    [​IMG]

    It's been 20 days to hear this dac again.. This time around it's perma. Yup. Mine.

    Listening with 2541 again. Still having goose bumps every second. How can a 1k-ish dac sound this good.. Wow.. hella wow...

    Updated thoughts below. Some might just be reiterations of previous posts though.
    • Conditioned by being served right after power on, I highly suspect 2541 the planet-best r2r dac money can buy today. It still favors some time to breathe/warm up, but cold 2541 is very enjoyable by all means. And after 3 hours, the dac seems pretty much ready to blow me away. I won't lie it fully stabilized, but I like the way harmonics loosely developing their complexity artfully. The experience is vastly different from cold Schiits.
    • Quickly tested filters again, but once knowing how black filter (soft bw) sounds with 2x resampling, I found it nearly impossible to go back. Ironically speaking, the very combination mimics NOS[1] timbre and tone without loss of any sheer OS technicalities. I really missed this unique sounding a lot and severely suffered from withdrawal symptoms for three weeks.
    • Just as it was, magical presentation to die for. This is one completed and perfected world that I am willing to live with. Stand by all my enthusiastic impressions posted before.
    Now waiting for J2 to join this rig. Magic 8-ball says it must be fantastic. But we will see.

    Footnote
    [1] Maybe it's better to clarify when I say NOS, it always means Holo-NOS, rather than Metrum-NOS or TDA-NOS. Thus, not representative for average NOS tastes at all...
     
    Last edited: Feb 26, 2021
  8. jchang1988

    jchang1988 New

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    @Vtory -

    Seeing as you had a favorable opinion (or at least an appreciation of) the Chord Qutest, I was hoping you could give some comparisons between this 2541 vs the Qutest.

    I already have a BF2 but I like to tinker and mix and match so I had been thinking about getting the contrasting Qutest but the price is a bit more than I'm willing to spend. From your previous statements, I saw that you prefer the 2541 over the BF2 but am I correct in concluding that they're similar in character?

    Some of the gear I'll be mixing around includes:
    sw51+, asgard 3, arcam a32 (for 2channel)
    into
    6xx, rad-0, 225e, canton vento ref 9.2 (for 2channel)


    Thanks in advance
     
  9. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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    I don't think my comparative assertion on qutest valid any longer (the comparison based on gungnir A1 years ago).. But unless I can steal them for a killing price -- say, lower than $400, I'd avoid it any day. If I recall correctly, it has some unique Chord flavors.. but there are simply too many dacs that are more competent. I am really not willing to pay any higher than used BF2 for the mint qutest.

    That totally depends on your reference frame and gear synergy (not to mention personal tastes). If you love how BF2 sounds, I'd rather suggest you consider Modius for different flavors -- and save the rest up for the next big upgrades. If you want some significant upgrades over BF2, then both 2541 and Gungnir A2 (or Yggdrasil) are worth giving a shot -- along with many recommendable products in D/S realm, too.
     
  10. jchang1988

    jchang1988 New

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    First off, thanks for taking the time to respond. I greatly appreciate it.



    Definitely fair, it's been a long time since your initial post on the subject. And I'm in agreement, even the used prices are a fair bit higher than what I'm willing to pay for a used piece of gear.



    I guess my intentions weren't totally clear, but I was looking for something a bit more different from the Bifrost.

    For a little context, I work at a piano store and have access to many different makes and models. I really enjoy playing on the different pianos and experiencing the differences and challenges between playing on brighter/warmer pianos, heavier/lighter actions, etc. and even when comparing "bright" pianos, there's different tones to the "bright" of a nice Yamaha vs the "bright" of a Bechstein or Seiler. Heck, even two models of the same piano can have totally different character due to soundboard, hammers, and other prep work.

    So going back on topic I have a mojo, which I know many here are not fond of, that I got for a fair price used. I was curious about the "chord sound" and I'll have to admit I do appreciate what I'm perceiving as bright and clear while not being harsh or fatiguing. And it's definitely a different presentation from the BF2. Kinda like comparing a Steinway D vs a Fazioli F278; both 9 ft concert grands, but with different presentations and approach in sound. I guess I'm looking for "different" along those lines, but for a much more reasonable price.



    After all my meandering, I do have to say a "much better BF2" does sound very appealing..

    Thanks again for the insight.
     
  11. dematted

    dematted Friend

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    In terms of the Soekris 2541 vs. Bifrost 2, the former does sound a bit "Brighter" than the latter, but this manifests mostly in an absence of bass energy and more linear lower-midrange rather than in any excess treble energy, at least in my experience. The Soekris 2541 does, in short, have a very different presentation than the Bifrost 2, but I don't think that it is the "Brightest" dac, even if it is very clear.

    Honestly, though, if you're looking just for a different sonic presentation, I think its smarter to look at headphones or amps rather than dacs. Those tend to have a larger influence on the sound.
     
    Last edited: Mar 2, 2021
  12. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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    Thanks for sharing more details.

    I am still hesitant to fully recommend you 2541, because for myself, it is very far from mix and match. 2541 is different. That's not incorrect. But, I bet you will either love it or meh it. The latter is not rare in this hobby. So let's skip it for now. What I want to focus here is the former. If 2541 is the sounding you can live with, then BF2 can't hold anything for its survival. ..Like I easily decided to eliminate BF2 asap.

    Something I can call "mix and match" should be more constructively harmonizing with what I already own. Must not motivate me to destroy belongings.

    And that's why I thought of Modius. Don't automatically reject it by its price. That specific dac is VERY different from BF2.. I had both in the house for months, and really enjoyed their different expertise. Without spending 2k+ the dac can hint about what Guru-tuned D/S dac is capable of. For 'experience', 'difference', and 'mix and match', I still think Modius is much better way to go than 2541. Downside is it would lead you to balanced amps eventually.. but that's not bad for difference-seeking journey.

    Plus, I strongly believe 2541 better serves for those who deeply understand their own preference (this includes what to ignore, what to compromise, and what to prioritize). And it really scaled with all my previous experience with other products. If you don't have enough confidence to predict or triangulate what you can get/lose, I am afraid it might not be the right timing to give it a shot.
     
  13. jchang1988

    jchang1988 New

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    Thanks @dematted and @Vtory for the replies.

    This is very true. For now though, I'm quite content with my current stable of headphones and amps. They each give me different flavors and I do move them around from room to room. In my head, the want of one more dac is really a matter of "finishing" sets/setups, and the mixing and matching satisfies the craving of new toys without actually purchasing. Totally first world problems.


    I'll look more into the modius. I had originally overlooked it because I do have a modi 3 and while it's extremely good for what it is, at this point find it pretty bland (I'm sure it's more of I'm bored of it after 3 years). Plus I use it daily with my little work setup. I had briefly thought about swapping that for a modius, but it might be a bit big for my desk and haven't thought about it since.


    Thanks again to you both, you've given me some things to ponder over.
     
  14. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    DAC2541 and BF2 are similar league DACs, but are opposite in many ways. BF2 is bassy, warm, slams like a truck, great imaging precision, airy. DAC2541 is more restrained dynamically, but clean lines, crisp, neutral - almost midcentric in comparison, superb microdynamics. Both have R2R timbre, which means non annoying highs.

    With respect to Chord Mojo, I think you will find that many here actually do think it's rather a good DAC and a decent value. The CHORD hate is mostly reserved for the overpriced brighter stuff like Hugo 2.

    TBH, I think you are better off with a solid neutral DS implementation like the Geshelli JNOG (review pending, but GL getting one) than the Qutest. (Don't be fooled by the JNOG's low price). You already said the Qutest is more than you are willing to spend. The CHORD stuff is generally overpriced, in some cases, extremely overpriced. You are buying the brand name and recognition more than anything else when it comes to CHORD.
     
    Last edited: Mar 3, 2021
  15. jchang1988

    jchang1988 New

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    Thanks I'll also look into this.

    Regarding the mojo, it's very possible I misinterpreted what folks here say about it. Tbh, if it was a desktop/stationary dac, that would have been perfect bc I feel it actually works really well when I run it with my asgard/grado combo. However, running it with the battery disconnected causes a whine from the electricals and leaving battery in but always on charge makes it super hot so I'm better off keeping it a portable.


    Getting back on the topic of the thread, reading most people's opinions on the 2541 being a brighter more detailed dac is what got me interested in the first place, but I'll definitely explore the other avenues people have suggested. They're more low risk/wallet friendly, which is always nice.

    Part of me wants to simply get a second bf2 and be done with it, but what's the fun in that lol
     
  16. purr1n

    purr1n Desire for betterer is endless.

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    I would not call the DAC2541 bright at all. Crane Song Solaris, Topping D50, X-Sabre Pro are brighter up top. Even the B2 Bomber can be more aggressive and forward with the upper mids.

    The transients on the DAC2541 are more crisp, and even this depends upon the filter that you select. I wouldn't call the DAC2541 bass lite either. It's more that it doesn't slam as much as other DACs such as Convert-2, Yggdrasil, etc. WIth the right amp, the DAC2541 doesn't have any issues in this area.
     
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  17. songmic

    songmic Gear cycler East Asia edition

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    Are there any of you who use the DAC2541 as a DAC for speaker listening?

    If so, how good is the digital preamp section of DAC2541? Would plugging a power amp (or monoblocks) directly into DAC2541 suffice in most cases, or do you still recommend using an analog preamp or integrated amp?
     
  18. GoodEnoughGear

    GoodEnoughGear Evil Dr. Shultz‎

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    This has come up a few times. In my case my monitors have a gain control, so I minimize the digital attenuation so it stays in the lossless range (you have 28 bits IIRC, so 12 bits on top of RedBook, 4 bits for 24 bit). I hear no discernable difference vs my GoldPoint with the monitors at zero attenuation. At the extreme the GoldPoint is better, but it's academic at those levels. A decent inline attenuator could sort out the gain staging without splurging for a preamp. I have a couple of Naiants which are good, but there are Shure etc. as well.
     
  19. MisterRogers

    MisterRogers Ethernet Nervosa

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    You may want to clarify the delta between old Metrum (NOS chip based, traditional NOS) vs. newer Metrum (ladder, more neutral). :)
     
  20. Vtory

    Vtory Audiophile™

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    I am also using it as a digital preamp. See my signature for the speakers chain.

    To my ears Freya-S and 2541 did sound different in presenting stages, but I finally liked 2541 (se out) over Freya S (2541+Freya) when paired with Aegir SE. It feels like 2541's enticing presentation better preserved with direct connection to power amps. Not by a big margin but better synergy heard to my ears.

    I am not a big fan of uber passive pres, and still think Freya(S) can do its job better generally. But I do think the way I use speakers these days is more favorable with 2541 direct outs. Also have to confess better convenience (numerical volume display combined with apple remote's ergonomics) led me to eliminate freya.
     
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