dac/amp for POLK LSI707

semenov

hi Guys,

I have 2 options to choose from:

Sony HAP-Z1ES / Sony TA-A1ES (80W x 2 into 8 ohms)
-- or --
Cambridge Audio 851D / Cambridge Audio Azur 851W (200w x 2 into 8 ohms)

My preference currently is into Sony. Budget is $5k, thoughts on both options for Polk 707s?

links:
**SONY**
http://www.sony.com/electronics/audio-components/hap-z1es
http://www.sony.com/electronics/audio-components/ta-a1es

**Cambridge Audio**
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_779851DS/Cambridge-Audio-851D-Silver.html?tp=59309
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_779851WS/Cambridge-Audio-Azur-851W-Silver.html

EndersShadow

Bigger fan of Cambridge myself.

erniejade

+1 on the Cambridge

tonyb

The Sony's little 80 watter may not be ideal for big floorstanders. The Cambridge is the better option....but, with a 5k budget I can think of tons of other dac/amp combo's.

Emlyn

The HAP-Z1ES is a music server rather than a DAC and has no digital input capability. It does handle DSD and high res PCM files. The Sony integrated amp is underpowered for the 707s.

The 851D is a DAC and can be used as a digital preamp too. Should still be on sale for a good price. The amp is ok but there are plenty of other choices. My recommendation would be a Parasound A21. I have experienced reliability problems with Cambridge gear in the past, but their performance was good when it did work.

polk500

I've owned a few Cambridge products over the years and would lean towards Cambridge but as @tonyb suggested with a $5000 budget I would certainly do some research before you pulled the trigger. In the used market with 5 bones you can get a nice integrated amp.
And I don't like Sony at all maybe years ago they had nice products but IMHO they have fallen behind in audio...
As @Emlym suggested Parasound is another great product.

Enjoy the hunt

semenov

Guys - thanks a lot for your comments!

Can you pls recommend (based on your experience, pros/cons) - other options for 5k budget? I would be interested to review the equipment.

The problem is that - there are SOOO MANY options to choose from and in most cases stores don't have them for audition - it's really hard to make the decision based just on internet review (that could be biased), that's why I was leaning towards Sony.

tonyb

First you have to tell us what you want in a dac. Do you want one that acts as a music server/dac, one that does DSD, has a good USB input, does higher than 24/96 files ? What pre amp will be used with this ? What kind of sound do you like....neutral....tad warmer, cooler ? More laid back, more upfront and in your face ? Is this just for 2 channel or is HT involved ? What sources are you going to use for music ?

Help us help you, narrow it down some otherwise the recommendations will be all over the map.

semenov

@tonyb

- listen from NAS
- listen from USB (iPad connected)
- bluetooth is nice to have but not important
- network services like spotify / pandora
- tidal is nice to have but not important
- internet radio is important
- DSD is nice to have but not that important, majority of my files are old mp3-s / flac
- neutral / warmer music
- this is for stereo music, I have Yamaha 3050 and want to use pre-outs into AMP to control front speakers so unity gain is very nice to have

tonyb

So it's one system you use for both music and HT ? You using the dacs in the receiver now for your musical side ? Dacs don't come with music services, digital players do and also your TV or BDP, computer will. The Yamaha has pre-outs and gain adjustments so adding an amp is a no brainer.

Also, can you describe what it is about the sound you have now that your not liking ? Too fatiguing....too thin and sterile sounding ?

tonyb

Off the top of my head, this is a good all around dac for your purposes......

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=919812&gclid=CLC1wd6JvswCFQKTaQodxSoINw&is=REG&ap=y&c3api=1876,52934714882,&A=details&Q=

Obviously you can buy it at many other places. For an amp, a 2 channel amp, many brands to consider but Parasound works well with Polk speakers, and my personal favorite McCormack amps. Others might be amps from Sunfire, Musical fidelity, Cary, Classe, Butler, and the list can go on and on.

Don't limit yourself to what you can only find in a brick and mortar store. Many of these other brands have been around for decades and offer a level of improvement over some more big box store brands.

tonyb

.....and we haven't even touched on an integrated amp yet. Taking the Yamaha out of the equation as the pre amp may be your biggest jump in sound quality. The cables your using will play a roll and MP3 files aren't doing you any favors for sound quality.

Musical Fidelity makes some very nice integrated amps too. Google the brands I mentioned and read up.

Yet still another option is the Parasound P5 PRE AMP, which has a built in dac, and a HT pass thru to connect up to your receiver. Add a dac if you want or use the one built in, and an amp which is doable with your budget and your musical side will increase many folds.

semenov

Thanks @tonyb Any feedback on NAD m12/m22 combo?

txcoastal1

Can't comment on the NAD but have heard Class D amp on the 707's, was alright just not great. IMHO Class D works better on the RTiA speakers than the LSiM
The Sunfire 7201 amp works nice with the 707's.

WLDock

semenov wrote: »

The problem is that - there are SOOO MANY options to choose from and in most cases stores don't have them for audition - it's really hard to make the decision based just on internet review (that could be biased), that's why I was leaning towards Sony.

My My My is that so true.

I'm waiting patiently for the day when I get through paying off my home remodel that I can seriously put together a 2 ch system. I've listened to a lot of stuff at shows including that Sony and Cambridge stuff. Its all sounded good in the quick demo's... so that does not say much about what would work for me or you. Its going to take some trial and error to really get an ear on gear. IMO, ones needs some money in the pocket, audiophile friends, a good relationship with a local HiFi store to really sort through the ton of stuff out there.

Anyway, If I had $5K to work with ...a good deal on that NAD combo would be cool. Here recently I heard the upcoming ELAC speakers demoed with a full Audio Alchemy DDP-1preamp/DAC / PS-5 upgraded power supply / DPA-1 amp, combo that sounded fabulous! I could live with that setup!!! LOL! Also, Id be looking at stuff like:

STREAMER/MUSIC SERVER/ROON ENDPOINT/etc
Auralic Aries Mini
Auralic Aries LE
Simaudio MiND
SONORE Sonicorbiter SE

DAC
TEAC UD-501 - As tonyb recommended...seems like A LOT for the money.
Chord 2Qute - used
Marantz HD-DAC 1
Benchmark DAC1 - used

PREAMP
Rogue Audio RP-1
Rogue Audio 99 Magnum - used

AMP
Parasound Halo A21 - used
Vincent Audio SP331 MKII - used
McCormack DNA 1 - used
B&K Sonata Monoblocks

Just some things that I've had my eye on and have been learning more about. No idea how all would sound together but it would be a hell of a journey to find out. I'm sure it would not be a bad start at all..... for speakers I have my eye on Focal Aria, Emerald Physics, Sonus Faber Venere, DIY Statements, Finalist, etc.

tonyb

semenov wrote: »

Thanks @tonyb Any feedback on NAD m12/m22 combo?

Haven't heard that particular combo, but previous Nad gear I thought was good that I had heard....found it detailed but a tad soft or laid back. If that type of sound appeals to you then worth a further investigation.

Yes, there are tons to choose from to please all our different perceptions of sound. The best way to narrow the field is to find what others with the same musical tastes as you have listen to....or have in their systems. If they like the same type of sound as you.

Another option is to get an Oppo 105, has digital inputs to use it's dac, can stream music from it too. Kills a few birds with one stone so to speak if room is an issue. If your sound preference is leaning to the warmer side of neutral, Parasound, B&k, McCormack amps should be on your short list.

semenov

thank you guys! It is very helpful information! I will dig deeper