stargazer30
Established Member
- Joined
- Apr 11, 2011
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Hi Chaps,
I am currently running a set of B&W 685s driven by an Arcam A18 amp. I have a Beresford Bushmaster audio DAC feeding the amp.
The DAC was a ment to be cheaper option (£200) for CDs until I could save up to buy the matching Arcam CD17 (£500) CDP. I had an old Marantz CDP I was running though the DAC.
So finally I got my mits on the Arcam CDP so thought it was worth posting up a comparison between the Arcams internal DAC and the Bushmaster.
I've done several back to back tests and even though theres not much in it I think I prefer the Beresford DAC
Detail wise theres nothing in it. Both the Arcam and the Bushmaster do a very good job of bringing out the detail in the music. I can;t pick out anything one does the other doesn't. The main difference is hard to describe but its almost like the Arcam favours the midrange a bit more or more likely, Arcam being very neutral, the bushmaster is slightly more dynamic on the high and lows.
When listening to them both the Arcam CDP DAC sounds more fuller but a tiny bit flat vs the Bushmaster. To be honest I can't tell which one is actually better, its only my personal preference. Still the Arcam is new so it may need some more running in.
So bottom line £200 DAC on par with a £500 CDP and can be used for other sources, can't be bad!
I am currently running a set of B&W 685s driven by an Arcam A18 amp. I have a Beresford Bushmaster audio DAC feeding the amp.
The DAC was a ment to be cheaper option (£200) for CDs until I could save up to buy the matching Arcam CD17 (£500) CDP. I had an old Marantz CDP I was running though the DAC.
So finally I got my mits on the Arcam CDP so thought it was worth posting up a comparison between the Arcams internal DAC and the Bushmaster.
I've done several back to back tests and even though theres not much in it I think I prefer the Beresford DAC
Detail wise theres nothing in it. Both the Arcam and the Bushmaster do a very good job of bringing out the detail in the music. I can;t pick out anything one does the other doesn't. The main difference is hard to describe but its almost like the Arcam favours the midrange a bit more or more likely, Arcam being very neutral, the bushmaster is slightly more dynamic on the high and lows.
When listening to them both the Arcam CDP DAC sounds more fuller but a tiny bit flat vs the Bushmaster. To be honest I can't tell which one is actually better, its only my personal preference. Still the Arcam is new so it may need some more running in.
So bottom line £200 DAC on par with a £500 CDP and can be used for other sources, can't be bad!