Agreed, I think that’s a good descriptive way to contrast them.
Agreed about single tone SINAD - this is overrated
But these DACs likely have very different SINAD vs frequency and multitone SINAD vs level performance , all in the audio band
So there’s definitely things to look at to explain why they sound different
As we both agree can’t look at single tone as the final truth
Anyway looks like I will be able to home demo a Cyan2 as a friend of mine has ordered
Looking forward to borrowing next month some time
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Standard multitone measurement figures are also very similar. Differences are pretty much across the board below -120 dB.
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Very interested in the results.
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This is GoldenSound 's multitone for the T+A DAC 200.
This is worse than my $150 SMSL D-6 running in DSD Direct mode
For the price of the T+A, this is quite average when you compare with price and performance of the SMSL
I like to see >110dB completely clean range. Will do this test with Cyan2.
@GoldenSound - is this with DSD256 input ?
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I’m pretty sure that is not with DSD from HQPlayer. Maybe PCM input through unknown digital filter setting.
This is multitone with DAC 200 at DSD256 from HQPlayer (ASDM7ECv2):
This is with 705.6k PCM from HQPlayer:
This is Holo Spring 3 with DSD256 from HQPlayer (ASDM7EC-super):
And this is Holo Spring 3 with 705.6k PCM from HQPlayer:
The two are not fully comparable due to different modulator.
Then some boring THD/SINAD and IMD figures:
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Thanks, since Goldensound mentions he compared PCM vs DSD and that DSD was objectively best, I’m surprised at the results he published
Especially for multitone he doesn’t make clear at all what we are looking at.
Indeed looks nice with DSD256, with >110dB clean range
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Has anyone already had any experience with the new Arcam Radia A25 amplifier?
Looks interesting to me with its USB-C input and DSD1024 support.
It uses an ES9280A Pro chip. So far I am not aware of any devices that use this chip.
The amplifier part has already been measured relatively well here:
The D/A part would of course be much more interesting for us 
This may work nice, but it is outside of this thread’s topic since it is ESS based.
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I just had a read through the thread, those Holo’s look great!
I am still using a Topping D90 DAC from a raspberry pi 4 running NAA. The DAC then feeds my Topping pre90 preamp (with a logitech remote on volume duties) and then onto a NAD Masters M23 power amp in low gain mode before finally feeding my Kef reference 1 speakers. I am using HQP embedded, 4.35.2 currently on a NUC12WSHi7, which is also running roon on ubuntu server. I am using convolution filters from Home Audio Fidelity.
It sounds great, but I am interested in those Holo’s, I will have to keep more of an eye on this thread! And, I must try version 5 of embedded soon!
Is there any obvious choice of DSD DAC if I wanted a change from the D90?
For example Holo Spring 3 or May should work fine with your power amp. I recommend to use DSD512 output in this case (class-D amplifier). Another good one is T+A DAC 200 with it’s analog filter set to 60 kHz and also running at DSD512. These should be good match with your system.
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Thanks @jussi_laako. It sounds like I have some saving to do! Are there any choices that are a little cheaper?
Possibly Holo Cyan 2 when it soon becomes available. But need to check the measurements first.
But I was trying to fit the DAC into same level range as your power amplifier and speakers…
In fact, with DAC 200 you could also take your preamp away from the setup. And maybe also Spring 3 with preamp module option. These both offer analog volume control for the DAC output.
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There is also the possibility of an RME ADI2 with AKM4493 chip but which is no longer available because the latest version now uses an ESS.
So used then, with a price which can be interesting because new it costs around 1200.
I looked at the TA200 which is indeed much more expensive, but I’m not sure if it’s worth changing my RME connected to DSD Direct.
I don’t use a preamp, but the Roon volume control function (managed by HQP)
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with the TA200, is it possible to use its analog preamp with a DSD Direct connection? On the RME this is not possible.
This can influence the sound quality by switching to analog preamp and therefore no longer using the volume control function of Roon/HQP?
Does it offer DSP off, DSD direct, as RME?
Yes.
(I own a T+A 200 dac)
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I will looking out for your measurements!
Thank you, yes, I assumed that. Although I would need to save up a bit.
Now that is interesting. I purchased the topping pre90 to get a pre-amp in the chain to try and reduce the risk of any 100% load being fed to the speakers. If the Spring 3 or DAC 200 can offer that functionality then they become more appealing. I would need to work out how to buy/demo in the UK too.
I actually have a AKM ADI-2 FS and it usually sits in my desktop set-up.
From my measurements, much cheaper SMSL D-6 in DSD Direct mode performs about the same and goes to DSD512 without loss of performance. Has balanced outputs too. And much much cheaper. Like 1/10 price ?
ADI-2 limited to DSD256
Holo Cyan2 is most interesting DAC I’m looking forward too.
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Couple of questions on the SMSL D-6 if I may.
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As my poweramps are connected in balanced mode, using traditional XLR cables, I would need a conversion cable from XLR female to 6,35 mm TRS. Any experience/recommendation?
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As far as I can see, the D-6 has no pre-amp, so i would need (HQPLayer) digital volume control?
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How would you compare against a (secondhand) TEAC UD-503?