Help me out with a DAC!

13

Comments

  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited December 2006
    The only real drawback to SACD is title availability.

    There's a lot of good stuff available but, I've got a lot of vinyl that's not available on CD, let alone CD.

    It's not a deal breaker nor is there a serious LACK of SACD material out there but it certainly is a niche item.
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited December 2006
    F1nut wrote:
    Nada boy, since you have no idea who comes and goes here, you really have no basis for your comment. However, we all know it to be a fact that you live where you live, have no car or job at 24 years of age and as Troy pointed out, own next to nothing as far as gear goes and have a major crush on Joey.

    Case closed!

    Hey Jess if I start tilting towards your bad side send up a flag will ya!!!:D
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited December 2006
    hearingimpared wrote:
    My crystal ball doesn't show that happening for a quite a while there Broham but you got the dibs if it happens. . . but the real attraction on that Mk IV is the SME Series V tonearm.

    PS: It the ritual that I love so much but as I said the body is getting a little creaky.

    Really, all I need is your addy and time of day the house is least likely to be occupied. ;)

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited December 2006
    hearingimpared wrote:
    Hey Jess if I start tilting towards your bad side send up a flag will ya!!!:D

    If that's the case, you won't have to scratch your head and wonder.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,552
    edited December 2006
    Back on topic......Up until recently I haven't got much outta the vinyl I've heard, but I have to admit that I liked both Troy's and Mike's TT rigs and can see, well hear why folks like the sound.

    As far as what's around here....there's much better out there, IMO. However, my door is always open to just about anyone here and Joe, it would be a pleasure to hook up. I'd love to get my ears on your rig once you've settled in.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited December 2006
    TroyD wrote:
    If that's the case, you won't have to scratch your head and wonder.

    BDT

    LOL!!

    Jesse is the king of one line wonders, sometimes one word wonders!!!:D
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited December 2006
    TroyD wrote:
    Really, all I need is your addy and time of day the house is least likely to be occupied. ;)

    BDT

    It's funny you mentioned that Troy. I was talking with my new neighbors yesterday and they were telling me that they don't lock their doors. . . I told them frig that I'm having an alarm system installed next week. They took that as a personal afront. . . there I go alienating people already LOL

    What are they insane???
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited December 2006
    F1nut wrote:
    Back on topic......Up until recently I haven't got much outta the vinyl I've heard, but I have to admit that I liked both Troy's and Mike's TT rigs and can see, well hear why folks like the sound.

    As far as what's around here....there's much better out there, IMO. However, my door is always open to just about anyone here and Joe, it would be a pleasure to hook up. I'd love to get my ears on your rig once you've settled in.

    Hell I'll come pick you up Tuesday and you can help me build it!!!
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,552
    edited December 2006
    Really, all I need is your addy and time of day the house is least likely to be occupied.

    And if you are home when he stops by, watch out for the bottle and rag he carries with him. He does give a reach around though.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited December 2006
    Merry Christmas Eve Gents and Good Night . . .I really enjoyed tonight.

    Joe
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited December 2006
    Well, you know, it just depends on the individual.

    My parents? Keys to thier house do not (no ****) even exist. That house has never been locked.

    Me? I'm all about an alarm system. As far as the neighbors, hey, unless they want to pay for the stuff that gets stolen....they can be insulted as they please.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited December 2006
    F1nut wrote:
    And if you are home when he stops by, watch out for the bottle and rag he carries with him. He does give a reach around though.

    Shhhhhhhhhh....you are going to ruin Sean's image.

    If that MF stuff wasn't so GD heavy, I wouldn't NEED the chloroform.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,552
    edited December 2006
    Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,552
    edited December 2006
    Merry Christmas!
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited December 2006
    Zero wrote:
    Troy,

    It's easy to turn a blind eye when a personal friend is involved. Jesse's been taking pot shots for years now.

    Maybe so, Sean, however, in this particular thread, you opened the can of worms, if I'm not mistaken.


    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,552
    edited December 2006
    Oh well Nada boy, quess we'll have to take your word for the car and job....about time though.

    I couldn't be happier, makes you 0 for 0....hence your handle, zero. I have to say though, that you've taken the definition of putz to new heights or so I'm told by a great many here.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited December 2006
    Oh, come on Jesse. When Dave and I showed up you are were sitting on the sofa trying to Vinny Van Gogh your left ear to fed-ex to some floozie.

    Miserable old ****.
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • F1nut
    F1nut Posts: 50,552
    edited December 2006
    Damn, you guys caught that, eh!?!


    I'll tell you what, Sean. I'll be the better man (always will be) and wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas. I mean that.
    Political Correctness'.........defined

    "A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."

    President of Club Polk

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  • TroyD
    TroyD Posts: 13,077
    edited December 2006
    Well, that's why after I chloroformed you into a nice light coma I DIDN'T make off with the MF/Manley gear.

    I figgered that stuff is the only thing between you and morbid depression and I am a sensitive, new-age guy.

    BDT
    I plan for the future. - F1Nut
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,552
    edited December 2006
    TroyD wrote:
    As a pure side note, I'm all for taking up a collection to buy Zero a plane ticket to Chicago so he can hump JoeyV's leg in private rather than trying to polish his knob here in public. ;)

    BDT

    Whoa... I'm gone for most of the day and I come back to this????

    WTH???
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited December 2006
    These guys are brutal, huh???:D
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  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,552
    edited December 2006
    amulford wrote:
    These guys are brutal, huh???:D
    Sent you another pm... I'll respectfully decline the offer as per the pm.

    Thanks though!!

    Joey :)
    Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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  • amulford
    amulford Posts: 5,020
    edited December 2006
    Got your PM. You're not putting me out, Not at all. I already have them packed, as a matter of fact.

    In the box I have - 2 pair of SC Analog 2, 1 SC Digital Coax, 1 8 ft. pair of SC Biwire speaker, and 1 SC Magic Power.

    I know you're going to be busy for a while. When you feel you want to try them out, let me know.
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited December 2006
    amulford wrote:
    Got your PM. You're not putting me out, Not at all. I already have them packed, as a matter of fact.

    In the box I have - 2 pair of SC Analog 2, 1 SC Digital Coax, 1 8 ft. pair of SC Biwire speaker, and 1 SC Magic Power.

    I know you're going to be busy for a while. When you feel you want to try them out, let me know.

    Do I smell cabling????? If he don't I will.
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  • LuSh
    LuSh Posts: 887
    edited December 2006
    I agree with jm1 and we'll I should because I urged him to buy a Museatex Bitstream and have it modded. I've often wondered about other formats, I've owned an SACD player but at the end of the day it's simply not practical.

    If you do decide to get a Museatex Bitstream (If you can find a Bidat grab it and you might have the best digital playback device in the world after mods) there is one critical element, that is the digital interconnect. In my experience it is vital to use a Moray James digital interconnect, this will improve the dynamic's almost 3 fold. It is hard to put a handle on Moray because he changes designs so fast that one cable is totally different then the other, I'd recommend asking John Wright which cable (and version) he prefers and voices the mods on.

    Finding an iDat will probably get you very very close to the Bidat (it uses the same technology) while a Bitstream will give good analog sources a run. These DAC's take time to break in and won't slam you in the face with wow and pop effects but it will give you a warm sound that digital usually doesn't offer; think tubes without the haze.
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited December 2006
    Don't expect miracles out of an external DAC, but after extended listening, if you have chosen a good DAC, I think you'll find it was well worth the investment.

    I could drone on for hours about my Benchmark DAC1, but take a look at the dozens of reviews yourself--everyone speaks highly of it, and for $975 and 30day return policy, what's to lose?

    FWIW, I did a head-to-head comparison with the Benchmark and Bel Canto, after more than 4 hrs of listening Wes & I were hard pressed to hear any difference between the 2. Wes did prefer the flexibility of the Benchmark (3 digital inputs; headphone section; use a standalone preamp, etc.)
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited December 2006
    steveinaz wrote:
    Don't expect miracles out of an external DAC, but after extended listening, if you have chosen a good DAC, I think you'll find it was well worth the investment.

    This is a very true statement. While I think there will be an instant noticeable difference it is much more subtle and refined and you will appreciate it over time and careful listening. Joey, you have the equipment (sans good cableing ;) ) to really discern a difference. If a stand alone Dac doesn't blow your socks off vs. the SqueezeBox then you really need to re-examine why you are in this hobby.

    I was amazed at the differences in every single source I've used over the years and adding the Dac really oepened up my system and made it exciting to listen to again. Every once in awhile for kicks I disconnect the Dac and all the "magic" so to speak is gone. It sounds flat, lifeless, closed, lackluster compared to having the Dac in the loop.

    Experience it for yourself

    YMMV

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited December 2006
    The best digital format is SACD, you can add all the dacs you want but its never going to be the quality of SACD, the format is simply better than redbook players can ever hope to be, I know this to be true because I hear the difference every day however, if you need more then check out Thomas over at Meridan who's company fully supports DVD-A, another fine high resoulution format and his thoughts on redbook format and players.

    Joe if you run the oppp digitally to a dac you do realize you will not get SACD unless that dac can run this format?

    The only thing that can come close to SACD is vinyl, but in my shed rig although the vinyl has moments overall the SACD is better.

    RT1
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    edited December 2006
    Ted, you are right..............partly (as I see it) a superior redbook Dac will be better than a mediocre SACD player any day of the week. But I agree a superior top of the line SACD unit will be ultimately better than any Redbook unit.
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,538
    edited December 2006
    What good is SACD when you can't find 70% of what you like available? I don't even think about SACD. The redbook cd's that are recorded well to begin with, sound fantastic through my current system. Had Sony got on the ball early, I would have definitely checked it out, but it's beginning to look like the betamax of the 21st century as far as I'm concerned.
    Source: Bluesound Node 2i - Preamp/DAC: Benchmark DAC2 DX - Amp: Parasound Halo A21 - Speakers: MartinLogan Motion 60XTi - Shop Rig: Yamaha A-S501 Integrated - Shop Spkrs: Elac Debut 2.0 B5.2
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