April Music Stello DA100 DAC
The Korean company "April Music" runs different brands for different price segments of its assortment. Stello brand usually offers n equipment for middle category which is always very well constructed and as in the case with 100 series has a small, half a standard width, aluminum case. Now there is quite a standard offer before us but with one interesting and unusual addition in the form of I2S input. This interface was invented long ago, but is still not popular. Its main advantage is in the ability to transfer clock signal separately from data that opens the possibility for jitter reduction as the clock signal no longer needs to be imported from the broadcast information.
The design of the device also hides the surprise. We have already got used to circuits plates inside any audio device, but Stello engineers managed to find the components for assembly on via openings almost for any task on the scheme. The exception was the DAC chip, sample rate converter and digital input receiver (i.e. to be honest all the most important functions), but each analog part is a good old-honored component of big sizes for integral mount. The quality of the components is provided by the use of good-quality film capacitors in all positions of audio signal. Supply unit is also made for a full due. Upsampling is present as a function and can be set on 96 kHz or 192 kHz (we liked it more when off). By the way, contrary to the stated information in the Stello brochures, USB input can receive the signal with a sampling rate only up to 48 kHz.
Judging by the results of our blind listening, in general DAC made a favorable impression. The short conclusion comes down to the fact that it is good for chamber music and for creation of big picture. The device gave undoubtedly hearty sound and brightly reflected liveliness and energy of music. Test track of Otis Redding, whose venerable age is manifested in any system, became positively nostalgic for some listeners, but obviously is can't be called completely accurate. At the beginning of Led Zeppelin song DAC fantastically transferred the game of cymbals and drums, although correctness and clarity a bit withered when the whole group joined. At the performance of classical music where the imaging must be perfect, there was the feeling that musicians needed more space. Everyone was well heard but acoustics as if decreased in sizes and the overall volume of music decreased too. On the other hand, the rate of response of Stello helped to create an exciting atmosphere and this is one of those advantages that make this DAC a good choice for a long time. It is, of course, not for everybody but causes adrenaline buzz and we can imagine that many people will truly appreciate.
