Have you compared Volumio Preciso to another DAC?

Volumio Shop Products Discussions
1

I’m interested in opinions on the Preciso dac. How does it compare to other dacs, for example Rega DAC, Fiio K13 R2r, Denafrips Enyo?

I’m using a Rivo connected by USB to a Fiio K13 R2r. It sounds good. But if the Preciso is a significant upgrade, I’m interested.

2

I am using the Preciso DAC powered by an ifi x power supply.
Whilst I cannot offer you comparisons with the models you mention, I can say that it is a very good DAC.
To give you an idea, I used to have a Linn Klimax DSM in my system, I now have a FiiO SR11 transport and the Volumio Preciso and the combination is just so good. Way better than the old Linn.
I did have a Motivo for a while and then connected this to the Preciso. Very nice, but the little SR11 is doing a better job as a dedicated transport. It is powered with an ifi x power supply. I play out via USB. The SR11 works for me as a Roon lifetime subscriber.
I also have a Shanling ET3 cd transport, which is connected to the Preciso via i2s. This also plays fantastic music from CD or streaming airplay.
I’d highly recommend trying out the Preciso. It’s a great DAC.
All the best.

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3

I can’t compare the Preciso with the Enyo or the Rega, but if you can try one at home (a dealer loan or a returnable purchase), it’s worth making the comparison fair, because differences between good DACs are usually small and easy to swamp:

  1. Match the output levels first. DACs differ in output voltage, and the louder one nearly always sounds clearer or more detailed. Play a 1 kHz sine tone through each, measure the AC voltage at the DAC outputs (or at the speaker terminals) with a multimeter, and adjust until they’re within about 1% of each other, which is roughly 0.1 dB.
  2. Use the same tracks and switch quickly. Memory for small differences fades within seconds, so two amp inputs or a switch box beats swapping cables.
  3. Do it blind. Have someone else switch without telling you which one is playing, and keep score over 10 rounds. 9 or 10 right means you really hear a difference; around 5 is guessing.

If the Preciso passes that, you know the upgrade is worth it. If it doesn’t, the K13 R2R is already a good DAC, and the money might do more in speakers or room treatment.

Disclosure: I run The Audio Stuff, and I make a free browser signal generator that plays the 1 kHz level-matching tone: Online Tone Generator: Sine Wave & Signal Generator