In this shootout we compare 3 pairs of converters using different styles of music each applied in live Mastering Projects. 24bit files can be streamed and/or downloaded for a small fee here.

1. UA Apollo x8 (DAC) - UA Apollo x8 (ADC),
2. Crane Song Solaris (DAC) - Burl B2 Bomber (ADC),
3. Crane Song Solaris (DAC) - Crane Song Interstellar (ADC),

The mastering chains used are from live projects of my own, using combination of software and outboard analog gear. I have left all settings equal switching out only the converters. I normalised the levels as far as possible (there may still be small differences). These mixes and "masters" are imperfect but represent the type of material I'm working with. So don't expect perfection.

Can you hear a difference? Which did you like most?

*This is NOT a blind comparison. Files are labelled. This was met with some criticism online for the bias it creates in evaluating small differences. I have now also setup a blind shoot-outs with unlabelled files.