First-class DAC, but weak amplifier

A comprehensive guide is available on the manufacturer's site, but not download. Download must be still the driver for Windows and the hi-res audio player. Both go quickly and the installation will not take long. The software is easy to use and runs well (Windows 8.1).

The device looks visually good, is meticulously crafted and beautifully compact. Front panel and top panel are made in one piece aluminum. The control buttons are apparently made of proper aluminum, which of course affects very precious. This does, of course, on the weight of which, after all, is about 4 kg. All connections are working properly, the speaker cords are connected to stable screw. The controls respond properly. A right off there are not, but should not be penalized by the we measured standby consumption of only 0.5 watts. The remote control is equipped with 8.5 cm is very small, plastic and unfortunately seems cheap. However, it works flawlessly.

To compare, we have it in the living room connected to the existing plant. We have a Teac A-H01 connected via a NAD C326BEE our Nubert standing speakers, so we really have a great sound and most of all a good bass. Well, the NAD plays anyway in a different league than the Sony, this really can not be compared, but as an amplifier is weakening the Sony but a little. 2x23 watts are there a little too low. Even at low volume, we are disappointed. Songs with highs are slightly overdriven and the bass we missed. We have of course also connected him to other speakers, but even there he does not deliver a better result.

If the Sony purely operated as a DAC and its amplifier bypassed where we connected him with our NAD amplifier, the songs are back in usual good quality and also the bass is present.
I compare now purely the sound and the sound quality of Sony DAC, I have to say that hardly any difference for Teac is recognizable. Clear tones, even finer detail audible, not dull. Thus, the DAC is functioning properly.

Unfortunately, a first-class DAC with a weak amplifier is not enough. Perhaps we are already too spoiled by our system. But we could not completely convince.
Anyone who is satisfied with average sound quality is well served with Sony. However, if you want to bring out everything, including deep bass, will probably be rather disappointed.

Looking only at the performance of the DAC, then this deserves 5 stars. The part of the amplifier but we can only rate with 2 stars. That would be 3.5 stars, but that can not be forgiven here. Taking into account the processing / optics we round up to 4 stars.