Entech Numbercruncher 203.2 DAC - Impression

Lowell_M

I received the Entech DAC today from Polkmaniac, which I bought from him for a big ol'$75. I am slowly learning more in this hobby and thought that $75 would be a pretty easy step into a separate DAC, so here goes...

I have my main HT system as shown in my signature, but I am slowly, but surely putting together a decent, but non-bank-breaking 2-channel system. I know that the DAC in my $100 DVD player is terrible, so I thought that trying this DAC would be a nice step before buying a higher dollar CDP.

The 2-channel system that I am planning:

Entech Numbercruncher 203.2 DAC
Nakamichi CA-5 Preamp
ADCOM GFA-555
LSi 15's
JVC DVD player for a CD transport

I don't have the 15s yet, so I am testing out the DAC in my HT setup:

Setup #1: Same as current sig. (CD listening using the digital input of H/K AVR, RTi70's + Velodyne sub for stereo listening) Signal Cable IC's and Speaker Cable

Setup #2:
JVC DVD player as CD transport
Entech Numbercruncher 203.2 DAC
H/K AVR as Preamp using 6 Channel direct input
ADCOM GFA-555
RTi70's (no sub)

Setup #3:
JVC DVD player (analog output)
H/K AVR as Preamp using 6 Channel direct input
ADCOM GFA-555
RTi70's (no sub)


The comparison between Setup #1 and either of the others is very easily done by switching between "DVD" and "6 Channel Direct" on the receiver, which made for very distinguishable results

I have been searching for a way to listen to pure 2 channel stereo out of the H/K without messing up my HT settings and haven't found a way, so I play 2-channel in stereo mode with the sub crossed over at 80 hz. I am a basshead, but as my ears get trained from listening to different gear, I have begun to realize that Setup #1 produces nice strong bass, but in some cases bloated and not tight enough. Overall (until now) I have been very happy with the sound though. In comparing #1 to #2 I immediately noticed improved detail and energy in the upper mid-range and treble. The Entech gave my rig the detailed, but not harsh (bright) sound that I thought I might be missing after hearing other gear. Imaging has improved slightly, but I wouldn't call it a huge leap. I wouldn't be able to tell the difference in imaging from day to day if you swapped the settings on me.

What I was impressed with the most, that I didn't expect was an increase in separation, and ...uh... exactness (I'm running low on audio jargon to explain what I am hearing) of every instrument. Sounds great.

Regarding the RTi70's... For their price, these things continue to amaze me. It was refreshing to listen to pure 2-channel without the sub. The 70's don't dig quite deep enough for me, but the bass that they produce is very solid and they provide decent "slam"

Next I compared Setup #2 and #3. There really isn't much to talk about here. The Entech tore the guts out of the DAC in my JVC. The JVC DAC is Klipsh horn, shred my eardrums, bright with no imaging and separation. I don't really need to write anything else here other than I definitely need a separate DAC in my 2 channel system if I am going to use this DVD player as a transport.

So, if I was really buying the $75 DAC to improve the 2 channel system performance in my HT rig, would I keep it, or sell it........ I would probably keep it. I see some improvements that I am really liking. Would I keep it for my HT system if I spent $300 (original retail) on it....probably not. (This is of course a conclusion that I planned on putting in the review before I started writing it, but as I am writing I am listening to more music and falling in love with the sound. I am hearing detail that I have never noticed before in songs.)

Do I think this will be a nice addition to the 2-channel system that I am building?....Hell yea!!! I think I will be happy for a bit with a cheapo transport until I get the next case of upgradits.

fatchowmein

Nice. Congrats and thanks for the review.

steveinaz

Give it at least a month. DAC's need some run time to realize what's really improved/or not, run a bunch of different music thru the system.

heiney9

Congrats, I can't wait to get over and hear it A. It's all in the subtleties of the music. As Steve said the more you listen the more you will start to see a improvement (difference) in your source material.

H9

Lowell_M

heiney9 wrote: »

Congrats, I can't wait to get over and hear it A. It's all in the subtleties of the music. As Steve said the more you listen the more you will start to see a improvement (difference) in your source material.

H9

We've got to get together sometime soon! I've made a few big changes since you were here last! I'm listening to more tunes now and realizing that what I thought was a shortcoming of the RTi70's was actually the DAC in my H/K. These things really sound fantastic. I like the tight bass of the pure 2-channel without the sub too. (I think the ADCOM helps in this area with the "slam")

With the way that my gear is built into the wall I don't have a real easy way to do an A/B comparison between using my AVR as a pre and the Nak, but am going to try to figure something out.

Right now I'm listening to the CD that I brought to Polkfest and am drooling. This is was very worthwhile tweak.

I remember when I replaced my JVC receiver the the H/K AVR and thought I had discovered the freaking holy grail. This hobby is crazy.............

AsSiMiLaTeD

Excellent, glad to see that you're enjoying it - I knew you would, it's a no brainer at that price.

The CD/SACD player that I also have for sale (yeah, shameless plug for my FS thread) is a very nice transport and is what I have paired with Dac #1 (same as I sold you, except used instead of new) right now, and it sounds great.

Steve's right also, that will sound better after it has some time to burn in.

Lowell_M

I am extremely happy about my small step into the use of an external DAC. This thing is a complete no-brainer for the cost ($75). It is head and shoulders better than the DAC's in my AVR 635 and not even comparable to my cheapo DVD player.

I've got to find more good recordings to listen to!!! Poor recordings now sound even worse and good recordings sound even better. Which is great and all, but I need more good recordings. I REALLY need to hear this setup with something other than my RTi70's, although these things sound pretty sweet right now.

I've got some Herbie Hancock playing right now, and as a trumpet player who used to play jazz, I would swear Herbie himself is hiding behind my speakers. I don't know how to explain this is in audio jargon, but I can hear subtleties in his playing of the trumpet that I've never heard in a recording before. I've always felt that the trumpet is difficult to record and reproduce even though it might seem easy since it is a bright and loud instrument. I feel like I'm at a live show, though. This is very cool.

heiney9

a_mattison wrote: »

I am extremely happy about my small step into the use of an external DAC. This thing is a complete no-brainer for the cost ($75). It is head and shoulders better than the DAC's in my AVR 635 and not even comparable to my cheapo DVD player.

I've got to find more good recordings to listen to!!! Poor recordings now sound even worse and good recordings sound even better. Which is great and all, but I need more good recordings. I REALLY need to hear this setup with something other than my RTi70's, although these things sound pretty sweet right now.

Welcome to the finicky world of dac's. Great recordings sound awesome, poor recordings sound awful . As soon as you get back from your trip we'll get together and I'll bring the 9's over to give you another perspective. Then I'm afraid the 9's are on their way to Doug's.

Enjoy!

H9

Lowell_M

heiney9 wrote: »

Welcome to the finicky world of dac's. Great recordings sound awesome, poor recordings sound awful . As soon as you get back from your trip we'll get together and I'll bring the 9's over to give you another perspective. Then I'm afraid the 9's are on their way to Doug's.

Enjoy!

H9

Sweet. I'd say come over today, but as soon as Michele get's home from her client, it's gonna be a get-stuff-done kind of day.

I've gotta clear this with the towers, but maybe Wednesday?

heiney9

a_mattison wrote: »

Sweet. I'd say come over today, but as soon as Michele get's home from her client, it's gonna be a get-stuff-done kind of day.

I've gotta clear this with the towers, but maybe Wednesday?

I'm heading to a friend's pool today and the Taste tonight. I'll take this to PM now, but we'll see how Wed. shapes up.

halo

Just wanted to mention that yous guys (H9, Aaron, Doug, Kevin, Ricardo, Mike, Michael) have a standing invite any time your in my neck o the city