Digital Drive: REVIEW: Keces DA131 DAC Processors by raindances

Model:	DA131
Category:	DAC Processors
Suggested Retail Price:	$350
Description:	Non-USB DAC
Manufacturer URL:	Keces
Model Picture:	View

Review by raindances on December 26, 2009 at 07:05:58
IP Address: 65.13.157.204 Add Your Review
for the DA131

This is a well-built, excellent DAC. I went through various different DAC's, even sold the first unit I had, and then bought the new version.

The unit uses a Burr Brown PCM1793 DAC chip and has the op-amps on sockets so you can try other, compatible op-amps. Mine came with the LME49710 op-amps that most people seem to like the best. I don't like them. I changed them out to the OPA604 from the original design. These add an element of warmth to the bass and a slight reduction in high treble energy. I was fortunate enough to have an MHDT Labs Paradisea+ on hand for comparison and found the OPA604 gave the closest approximation to a tube output in smoothness.

The sound is pretty darn close to neutral and the unit is very quiet. It does not draw attention to itself in any way. Oh, and that direct coupled output idea? GREAT. You are not listening to a coupling capacitor, you are hearing a DAC fed to an op-amp buffer and that's it.

The one improvement I made that really works was adding a Monarchy DIP to reclock the signal from my player.

This is probably one of the best buys in the hifi world when you are in the budget price range.

Product Weakness:	Nothing for the price.
Product Strengths:	Very close to neutral.<br>Looks kinda cool.<br>Can swap op-amps.

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Adcom GFA5400 / B&K EX442
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Acurus RL11
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Denon DVD955
Speakers: Vandersteen 2CE
Cables/Interconnects: Not a believer
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jazz/rock
Room Size (LxWxH): 26 x 14 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments: Careful placement with RTA confirmation.
Time Period/Length of Audition: 1 year
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Adcom GFA5400 / B&K EX442
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Acurus RL11
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Denon DVD955
Speakers:	Vandersteen 2CE
Cables/Interconnects:	Not a believer
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz/rock
Room Size (LxWxH):	26 x 14 x 8
Room Comments/Treatments:	Careful placement with RTA confirmation.
Time Period/Length of Audition:	1 year
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner