I just received my Geshelli J2 DAC (AK4493) - less than three weeks to my door from the time of order. It opened up my Elac Debut 6.2 speakers. It's like I went from listening to mono to stereo. Detail is amazing. My progression of DACs was Hifiberry DAC+ to the Schiit Modi+ (v2) then the Geshelli. Love, love, love the Geshelli DAC! For the living room with my Vandersteen 2 speakers I am considering the Denafrips Ares 2.
I've been using the original Schiit Modi (not the "+" version you have) to convert my TV's optical audio to analog for my big stereo rig. It is always powerd on, it always works flawlessly, and I only use it for this specific purpose. A real winner.
I bought the Aries II back when you first reviewed it, and recently updated it to the 12th anniversary firmware. It's an awesome DAC. The sound stage is indeed extremely wide and immersive. I am very happy with that purchase. Denafrips has sent another firmware update that I haven't had the opportunity to install. Love their customer service!
I concur fully with the Geshelli J2S being a reference DAC - it is my reference. I use the big Sparkos SS2590 dual mono module on the RCA socket (1 riser required); and I use a 12V 50W linear power supply. I have compared this to the Ares II (OG) with the 12th Anniversary firmware update - and my J2S is significantly better, in all aspects. Even with the Sparkos and LPS, the J2S costs half as much.
@@spamcan9208 Bottom to top - back to front - all of it! The clarity and separation and layering are all quite excellent. Dynamics in the bass and midrange - airiness and space; and on good recordings, it isn't "dead" space. It feels like you can hear the space in between musicians/instruments. Details and subtleties all the way back into the mix - are all there.
@@toddmoser19 I am using a Sigma 11 dual voltage unit - 5V 50W for my Node 2i, and 12V 50W for the J2S. I just got the parts today to make a Noise Nuke, which is a DC noise filter and capacitive buffer. It is supposed to significantly quiet switch mode PS, and can also make linear PS quieter, as well.
Neil, do you have the 4493-S or 4499/4491 current-based chips? Your thoughts on the high output 2590 Op Amps and LPS pushing more heat through the board infrastructure and pre-mature failure of the DAC? New Dayzee is factory optioned with 2590 (x8) and I am curious if upgraded to handle more juice. Geno says newer power supply but no specs on any of this just yet. Dayzee is sexy @ $1500 base +++, but is too high for me and J2S fits my comfort zone better under $800 with goodies plus LPS cost.
I need second J2 for my headphone stack. The one I have in my main system really made a difference. I'm All In on Geshelli!!! Great Recommendations Randy! 👍👍👍
I have been interested in Hifi hobby since 2010. I don't know the technical part of the job. I take a basic system and proceed by adding to it. Cable dac. The real skipping point in music was that I was connecting the laptop directly to the DAC. I bought Sotm 200 neo on the recommendation of a friend. I hear more mature music in my room. I don't claim it's the best. Media player and dac. That's real progress. Hifi hobby itch never ends.😂
I’ve relied on your advice to purchase an SVS 3000 micro and Wiim Mini. Just received my J2S AKM with Sparkos opamps. Huge difference from the onboard DAC in my Onkyo A9050. Thanks Randy! You’re batting 1000!
I’ve had both the Schitt and the Topping discussed here, and just recently bought the Chord Mojo 2. I know it is designed to be a headphone dac (maybe why not mentioned here?), but I have it connected to my stereo with a high quality 3.5 to rca and well, for me it is better than both of the ones mentioned, by a bit. It has the dimensionality that Randy mentioned about the Denafrips, and with great punch and detail. I got it used for $550, but even new it is well under 1K, with volume control, EQ, etc. Should be considered.
Facts. This is what I came to say. It’s better than all of these. I can’t speak on the denafrips, otherwise, all things considered, used correctly with good cables, Mojo 2 is a revelation.
Since I started to follow your channel, I already bought the Topping e50, the Modi 3, The Modi Multibit and a Geshelli Labs. You are ruining my bank account : ) I love them all, and agree with every comment about them. I would place the Modi 3 a hair behind the others, and the Geshelli a hair in front of the group. But I should suggest you to try out the Drop Grace Design SDAC. I Don't know it they are still available, but it fits very well in this category, just beside the Geshelli. I would love to hear your comments about it.
Can I ask how is the noise floor on the Denafrips Ares 12? The product specs says THD+N is 0.004% I'm not sure if this is the spec to look for, when it comes to noise floor, but SMSL SU9 Ultra gets praised for having a black background, and its THD+N is 0.0006%
Randy, I'm looking at a couple DACs to purchase. What do you recommended based off of what I want between these 2 DACs?: I would like great Dynamics with lots of punch with a great sound stage. It needs to be engaging and fun, not sterile. Based off this would you go J2 base model with AKM 4493 or Schiit Modi multibit 2? Thanks sir!
How would you compare the Schiit Modi Multibit to these others? It's usually about $150 more than the base Modi but about half as much as the Bifrost. So with a price of around $300 would it be better than the Gishelli or Emotiva?
In 2022 ASR did a review of the Geshelli Labs J2 and it didn't measure that well. The Topping E50 for example did measure much better. However I wonder if we can hear the difference between them.
Unfortunately the lauded J2 DAC has been a maJ2or disappointment compared to the built in DACs in all my devices, including my Yamaha 801, Audiolab 6000, and Emotiva PT1. I believed you enough to order one and wait 4 months for its arrival! To add salt to the wound, it sounds worse(less punchy, less clarity) than my 30 yr old Sony 5Disc CD Player with its “1 Bit DA Convertor”. Randy you have steered me well with the Critons and I agree with your opinions on many of your prior reviews (Lintons, Elac B6, Aiyma A07etc…) but my experience with the J2 has been massively to the contrary.
Weird, maybe there’s a problem with yours? They do have superb customer service, see if they have any ideas? I’m bias but it’s hard to believe that you’re not amazed by it, (like myself and soooo many others) good luck, hopefully you can figure it out
@@Brian_Romska I was glad to support a US based company. And it looks fantastic! Believe me, I wanted it to be noticeably better in some way audio-wise. It was intended for the toslink output on my original Sony CD player from 3 decades ago, which I thought would be the best way to really contrast its modern benefits against. But it’s just mediocre, less detail and bass in about every subjective listening I have given it. This has been my only purchase since re-entering the hobby in 2016 that I would qualify as snake-oil or being audiophooled. I enjoy Randy and will continue to support his channel, but this was a significant letdown.
@@stevezeidman7224 yeah maybe it’s me, but I have been on the ‘same page’ with Randy and other reviewers on many audio preferences, so it’s a bit unnerving.
I read your last update. Is there another source you can try for it? Can you say what about it you found disappointing? Sorry, I just reread your first entry. You may want to call them. They have great customer service and will talk to you.
Interesting.. Q. Why would an audio DAC have a sound characteristic ? 0s and 1s to PCM ? And many folks will add equalization downstream anyway.... Love your presentation.. Oops, forgot my coffee..
I have 3 DACs. One in my pre amp, another in my CD player, and my Bluesound Node 2i. There is no audible difference. I have compared them at various volumes and with headphones. You must have superhuman hearing. I’m glad I don’t. I should add, my rig cost about $3k.
Just speaking from my own personal experience: To me a DAC is more afterthought than essential. The ones I have heard sound exactly the same. Mind you, that is within type such as Sigma Delta. All Sigma Delta DACs I have heard thus far sound exactly the same. Perhaps they all used the same analog output topography? I have not heard an R2R DAC so I can't speak to that. I also have not heard 50 DACs to be fair. (I have heard about 20 or so). I can hear differences between amps, speakers of course, phono stages, etc., but DACs, no. To me, a DAC either works or doesn't work, it is on or off. Yes, I have tried DACs that do not work at all (Cambridge Audio for a good example, terrible stuff. One must jump through hoops and know secrets and understand Chinese to even get their stuff to literally power on, much less function), but most DACs do the job. Now, that said, while I will never get the chance to try an R2R DAC, I do plan on trying the J2 AKM from Geshelli Labs one day to see if it really makes a difference from my CD player. It will be later though because some other things are priority. I like the Geshelli Labs because there is no MQA or bluetooth to potentially mess everything up. I have also spoken with them and they are super good folks! I don't listen to streams, just CD and vinyl so a DAC is not a mission critical component for me personally. However, if one does listen to streams and the like, then one should put some serious focus on a DAC and $800 to even $1000 is not that unreasonable in that case. Having personally experienced Schiit product, I think that many other products outlast Schiit. Don't get me wrong, their products work very well while they work, but the shelf life is rather short in light use (two years at best, if you are lucky) in my experience. Mileage likely varies.
Please update this after purchasing the J2. I’ve already commented that I found zero improvement in my new J2 AKM , in fact a degradation vs. my Sony CD player’s built in. Curious if you have a similar experience or if it’s just me or my J2 specifically.
@@4thewinir344 I'll try to do that, it will be a while. It is possible you found no difference, but "worse than the built-in on your CD player, especially a Sony", I don't know about that, kind of hard to believe. I'm wondering if it is something else in your chain or a setting on something?
@@ericelliott227 my chain is running a flat EQ through an Emotiva PT1 preamp into an A2 Power Amp, into Criton 1TDX. Its a rarer full featured Sony CD player, the CDP-C725, having full adjustable reverb DSP and the option of digital out in 1992 was not common. The DSP is off when I’m comparing the two. I’m not sure what else it could be.
@@4thewinir344 Hmm, it could be the output of your CD player being uncommon at the time or it may not be, it is hard to say. In other words, it could be that the outboard DAC is fixed at a certain DSP and the "reverb DSP" on your CD player needs to be adjusted to better sync with the outboard DAC. Sounds like your CD player is a good one from Sony, since that is very rare as well. Older Sony products such as CD players from the late 80s and early 90s are their better products.
I think when you start getting into r2r designs, as compared to Delta Sigma dacs, I think you need to spend a lot more money so maybe for an r2r dac if you want a great one, maybe you’re looking at spending $2500 or so, I don’t know.. my take is that a good multibit design is a more expensive proposition than a good Delta Sigma design, and a good r2r design is a more expensive proposition than the others..
So, I have the Denon DCD 2560 which was made in 1991. 4 x AD182N-D 20 bit THD .0018%, Looking to see if I can improve the sound quality, which is excellent by getting either the Geshelli J2 or iFi Audio NEI IDSD. Any suggestions or do I just stay with the vintage Denon Dac? Thanks
R2R is more expensive, that discrete tech by everything I’ve seen is expensive and has its own benefits if that’s what you’re looking for. That being said, I agree with you.
While it can be arguable whether there are audible differences approaching $1000, there are people who want to maximize their system through and through, no matter if it makes much difference. For those on a budget however, it's best to stick with DACs up to $500.
I still find DACs a bit mystifying. So I'm planning on dumping my sound bar and going to some CSS Torii's as my TV/living room sound. I was going to go optical out to my WIIM Pro and then to a Fosi V3 amp. It seems he's saying the DAC inside the WIIM is best bypassed for any of these options. I'm guessing you'd go optical in and out on the WIIM and then put a DAC between the streamer and the amp?
For Tv duty you’ll do just fine with the DAC in the WIIM. If you really want to get into more music then an external DAC would give you higher resolution for sure. Better instrument separation. But for movies and tv what you described will work great. Maybe hold off for tomorrows video too. There is a product that may be perfect for you
What are your thoughts on Schiit Bifrost 2/64 DAC? I have been using the Bifrost connected to PC via usb and streaming Tidal. The Bifrost is connected to the Schiit Folkvnagr (tube) amp. This setup is used for headphone listening only. I am using the Denon AH-D9200 headphones.
I’ve got a willsenton R800i 805 class a tube amp and I’m trying to decide between the EverSolo Z8 and the SMSL M400 and the Denefrip Ares II 12th edition. Using a newer high end Mac computer for streaming but if I go ever solo, I do like their streamer. Could you tell me give me some suggestions or which one you would pick? Thanks
You like tubes, I see. If you tube roll and own a great pair of 12au7, you may want to look into an Xduoo TA22. I’ve found out, you can’t have enough tubes.
@@tubefreeeasy I went with a Gustard R26 Dac. I’ve bought $2500 in tubes for this amp on top of all of the great tubes I’ve collected for 35 years that relate to tube guitar amplifiers.
@@MrFrenchHarp My amp is a Xduoo TA30. I have Shuguang Black Treasures in those and a pair of 12au7 in my TA22. I may have purchased the last BT tubes in existence for purchase. Also in my TA30, I have a Sophie Electric Aqua 274B rectifier tube. I figure, who do I get to compare my system with? If I think to myself, how can a DAC have a better sound than this? I mean, it’s $500. For some reason, Xduoo is the only company anywhere that uses 12au7(s) plus utilizing a 274b/5u4g. Whoops, Woo Audio does as well but I’d rather pay less. I’m in the process of re-cabling switching from silver-plated to silver-core. I’ve created an anti-vibration platter for my tube amps/DAC. That’s a step many audiophiles ignore. I wish us, our ultimate upgrade futures awaiting us.
@@tubefreeeasy I’ve got a pair of Psvane Acme 805’s, a pair of Gold Lion 300b’s, a pair of Psvane CV-181’s, a pair of Svetlana black plate 5u4g rectifiers, a GE red tip black plate 12ay7 pre tube, and a Sophia Electric 274b Aqua 2. I’ve got some Isoacoustic Orea pucks for my heavily modified upgraded Rega P2 but I didn’t even think about isolation for the tube amp and the Gustard R26 Dac. I will have to look into that but for now I’m trying to find a stand that will allow me to put that 100 pound heavy Wilsenton amp on it safely and maybe have racks in it for everything else. I have a Tascam rack CD player and a power conditioner. I’ve been so busy with these triple digit days because I’m an air conditioning contractor that I haven’t had a chance to even plug the amp in yet. 🥵
Oh, one last thing.. I think you give an awful lot of “cred” to the J2 with the AKM dac .. I’m wondering how much of that has to do with the type of music you typically listen to, since you’re mostly a heavy rock and metal guy..just sayin’😉
@@samza9622 So does that mean it’s the “go to” choice for anybody looking for a best bang for the buck DAC ? That would be like saying everybody should buy a Modi or an SU-1 because they’re cheap and everybody says they’re great for the money.😉 I think people tend to forget that how much money they pay for a specific component, or should be paying for a specific component, is related to how much they’ve paid, or are willing to pay, for all the rest of their components. Food for thought.
I would love to know what kind of life everyone is getting out of cheaper product he talks about here, my FiiO K5 just died as I'm watching this I got 20 months out of it. Not good!!!
I'm still very happy with my schitt modi +. Great DAC, it's just more expensive to get in the UK, but it's still worth buying. I bought this on your recommendation, Randy. I'm not disappointed. Great video, as always. All the best.
Can attest to Geshelli's customer service. Bought a J2 used from Ebay, and one of the channels went out. Called Geshelli thinking maybe they'd repair it for a fee, if at all, with no warranty. Turns out their free repair policy covers all items-pre-owned or new-even if purchased from a third party. They replaced the board at no extra charge; only had to pay roundtrip shipping. Thanks for the rec 🙏🏾
I bought an audioquest black dragonfly for $99 a few years ago. The sound from that compared to the shitty dac in your computer is a huge step up. Im not sure how much they cost now, but i think they are good.
I own both the Topping E50 and the Denafrips Ares II and I love them both, it's great having two different but excellent options. Then if they're not going into my main system, they're going into either Topping L50 or Geshelli Archel 3 Pro headphone amps. Spoiled for choice. The great thing about high quality inexpensive options is that you can often get two or three (or ten) for the price of an expensive option.
I agree. The industry has used this simple way to clean up a digital signal into a ‘crucial’ piece to our systems. Different ways to dress up an input/output/chipset that they’ve packaged and overcharge us…
I know the endless din of DAC discussions may make this a somewhat redundant request, but would love to get your impressions of the Geshelli with some different discrete opamp swaps. Have always been interested in getting a more value oriented dac and raising the bar via output stage with a simple tweak. Especially if it could then compete with dacs two or even three times the cost 🙏🏼
I’m pleased you time stamped your video to the month, as they’ll be a bunch of new DACs to review/change your mind about next month. The DAC review thing is fuelling this ridiculous obsession with generic chip sets in new chassis’…. You’ve sold out son, clearly !!
I’ve got the Geshelli J2 and the only other dac I have is the ifi zen dac v2, the ifi is cool cuz it’s also a headphone amp with that sweet bass boost button, but the j2 wins all day, thanks Randy!!!
Out of this price range yet my RME ADI-2 PRO FS R BE is absolutely awesome and is my preamplifier as well so that helps.on the costs to me plus it has so many options inside. Just awesome cannot praise it enough!
Hi, Cheap audio man. Thanks for the wonderful videos. They have been very helpful to me as I am trying to build my budget system. Can you compare Chord mojo 2 vs Geshelli J2?. I am thinking of getting a used Chord mojo because it's portable, but sound is my priority.
Synergy applies to dacs as any other audio product . I think only the very neutralist amps dac speakers etc can give you the omg moment, but that's not cheap . However you can get there with good matching . I have a ton of gear trying to get there 😅 in the end everyone to their own .
I have a Yamaha A/V receiver with integrated Tidal app and am enjoying streaming music to this receiver. It's output is "only" CD quality FLAC 16 bit / 44.1, although the receiver is capable of outputting 24 bit / 192. I have the Tidal subscription that now includes high res audio. Does it make sense for me to get a DAC, play Tidal from my laptop or phone to get all of the 24 bit / 192 resolution. What is the chance I will notice a difference from my current setup? Interested in your thoughts and those of your viewers.
I watched several reviews of the Ares12th, yours being one of them. I had recently tried the dak magic, and I sent it back. I received the denefrips ares12th, and the sound have been so much more amazing.
I like the SMSL M300SE over the Su-1 for the remote control and slightly better sound. But you seriously cannot beat the SU-1 for value if you just want to stream especially on a vintage receiver or integrated amp.
For C.A M. Or anyone else who cares to offer advise. I have a 2 ch system. Marantz 5015 into klipssch r820f's. Source is PS4. Would I benefit from a DAC. Product suggestions and admonishment welcome. I enjoy my AVR and speakers. I. Gonna get more power, so no need to mention that...I already know. Cheers.
Wondering how you feel about the Bifrost with the Unison USB? I have issues with weird digital sounding noises on my J2 when it is connected with USB to my computer or phone.
I commented on your review for the SMSL SU-1, that I just ordered it the day before you posted the review. You asked what I think about it so here it is. I replaced my SMSL M100 with it because the micro USB connection is failing, so this is only compared to that DAC. I have it as a secondary set up connected to my laptop and going to a Monolith Liquid Spark headphone amp. It's not night a day different, but there is subtle but noticable difference. Mainly ( for me ) it has improved soundstage and imaging. ( went from an ok 3 to 5 blob locations ( depending on headphones ) to a almost perfect smooth transition from left to right and back again ) Bass impact is a little better and overall it is a cleaner sound all together. Nice little unit.
Ok I bought a dac at your urging, hooked it to my phone. Now what? The music still comes straight from the phone like the dad isn't there. What a financial fiasco. Thsnks.
What if they don't last; and have limited support. I find your videos very entertaining, you're funny. I purchased the SMSL Su9n march 2022 and I thought it sounded very good, I liked everything about it except the occasional static which was a known issue and remedied by leaving the unit on 24/7 problem solved sounded great to me. The unit died 8 months after purchase still under warranty. Shipping to and from China? Support? I didn't bother. Prior to the Su9n I had a Modi Multibit which lasted approximately 5 years reasonable I think. Now I need a new dac and its a tough decision. My point is reviewers talk about how great a product is or isn't but rarely about reliability or longevity. I'm not sure a product should be touted as best for the price when they essentially have no warranty or in some cases ( Eversolo) no track record that I know of. 1st comment ever; sorry!
I tried to mention it a couple of times to purchase from amazon or apps for the Chinese products. Apos actually handles the warranty aspect of it as well too. you can't beat schiit and Geshelli labs for support. they will bend over backwards to help you.
