[NA Blur]

Anyone out there prefer another DAC over the Grace m903 they own / have tested?
 
I really appreciate the ability to control the output volume on each output of the m903, but the DAC chip may not be the best sounding chip.  I see no measurements for the m903 DAC side so it is hard to compare objectively.  This is why I want to see if any of you prefer a different DAC over the m903.
 
Please list what you hear and why you prefer a different DAC.

 

[CDWMcInSpots]

Quote:

[...]
I see no measurements for the m903 DAC side so it is hard to compare objectively.
[...]

 
Some measurements:

1. http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/oct12/articles/grace-m903.htm
2. http://en.goldenears.net/index.php?mid=GR_DAC_Amp&category=287&document_srl=11864
3. http://www.avmentor.eu/reviews/grace_m903.htm

 
 
Quote:

Anyone out there prefer another DAC over the Grace m903 they own / have tested?
 
I really appreciate the ability to control the output volume on each output of the m903, but the DAC chip may not be the best sounding chip.  I see no measurements for the m903 DAC side so it is hard to compare objectively.  This is why I want to see if any of you prefer a different DAC over the m903.
 
Please list what you hear and why you prefer a different DAC.

 
I have my Grace Design m903 and Lynx Hilo side by side. So far I have used both mainly as DAC + headphone amplifier combos. Hence I haven't tried to compare them as DACs only or feed the DAC analog out of one into the other acting as headphone amplifier.
 
I and several others have described some of our observations regarding both Grace Design m903 and Lynx Hilo vs. each other and/or other products. See some of the following threads:
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by CDWMcInSpots /img/forum/go_quote.gif
[...]
Grace Design m903

1. Member Reviews: Grace Design m903 reference headphone amplifier / DAC
2. Grace Design m903, reference headphone amplifier, DAC, monitor controller
3. Anyone ordered the Grace M903
4. Grace Design m903 vs Other DAC

 
Lynx Hilo

1. Lynx Hilo
2. Lynx Hilo - new offering from Pro Audio company
3. Lynx Hilo: Any opinions on the Headphone amplifier of the Lynx Hilo?

[...]

 
I have used my Grace Design m903 as a DAC feeding my STAX SRM-007t + STAX SR-009. It was very nice. Frequent goose bumps when not expected.

 

[Timekiller]

I've used my Grace 902 with Edition 8s and it sounds excellent.  I personally cannot tell much difference between the 902 and 903 with the Ultrasone Edition 8 so I decided against upgrading to the 903.