Final Words & Conclusion
Final Words & Conclusion
Generally external DACs are usually reserved for those with deep pockets but from time to time units become available that allows people to go external without it costing a small fortune for quality.
The PurePiper A-1 offers a very neutral DAC that doesnt color your music and offers a pleasing frequency response and musical quality to it well outside of its price tag. Please understand this DAC will not surpass $1000 converters but it will offer you the ability to have an enjoyable external system without shelling out a couple months rent.
The unit is easily outside of its asking price offering reasonably clean tight bass, good midrange and clear high range. The A-1 is not overly bright and is a bit rolled off in the high end offering a fairly descent high range extension.
The A-1 offers a clear, detailed soundstage and musical quality without washing out or over coloration.
For those handy with a soldering iron, this DAC is a great platform for some DIY modifications. The circuit layout is very clean and easily followed for modification options.
On a side note: PurePiper offers a Class-A speaker amplifier and a set of bookshelf speakers that can be used with the A-1 DAC producing a fully external audio system for the desktop audio enthusiast. We are hoping to get the speakers and amplifier to test out the full system so stay tuned for that review in the near future.
Given the great sound quality and low price, we give the PurePiper A-1 DAC our recommended award. If you have been considering the external world for your system but have been prevented by the cost of many converters, we suggest you check out the PurePiper A-1 DAC.
Until next time, this is Robscix in the Guru3D Audio Lab rocking on with the PurePiper A-1 Digital to Analog Converter signing off.
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