Shodrewken Posted March 14, 2015 Posted March 14, 2015 I've read numerous times how a lot of you guys have them and say they are a big deal. I'm thinking about getting one for a couple reasons now. Number one is because of my newly acquired La Scalas. These are hands down my favorite speaker for music and have enhanced my listening enjoyment by a good measure, however, before I get crazy upgrading the xovers and what not for the speaker, I'm curious if adding a DAC can even further my audio experience. Two, the majority of my music is mostly steaming from my phone through AirPlay. I know its not the best format, but its just the most convenient for me atm. So what do you say fellas, would adding a DAC to the mix provide a decent enough quality boost to my music? If so what would a good beginning DAC be? I not interested in spending anything over a grand... yet, so any recommendations under that price point would be appreciated! Quote
eth2 Posted March 14, 2015 Posted March 14, 2015 (edited) I have recently bought two Wyred 4 Sound DAC2's and they do make a significant difference. They sell for $1,500 and I paid $625 & $675. Both are in 9/10 condition so don't buy new. Edited March 14, 2015 by eth2 1 Quote
willland Posted March 14, 2015 Posted March 14, 2015 I've read numerous times how a lot of you guys have them and say they are a big deal. I'm thinking about getting one for a couple reasons now. Number one is because of my newly acquired La Scalas. These are hands down my favorite speaker for music and have enhanced my listening enjoyment by a good measure, however, before I get crazy upgrading the xovers and what not for the speaker, I'm curious if adding a DAC can even further my audio experience. Two, the majority of my music is mostly steaming from my phone through AirPlay. I know its not the best format, but its just the most convenient for me atm. So what do you say fellas, would adding a DAC to the mix provide a decent enough quality boost to my music? If so what would a good beginning DAC be? I not interested in spending anything over a grand... yet, so any recommendations under that price point would be appreciated! Yes they are worth it providing the DAC's in your preamp, receiver, player, etc. are inferior to one you may acquire. I happen to think the DAC's in your TX-8050 are pretty good, not top of the line, but implemented well. I would suggest you look into something like an Audioquest Dragonfly, a Cambridge Audio Dacmagic, or something else under $500.00 to wet your whistle in the DAC world. There are many sub $500.00 DAC's that are of high quality that just may transform your experience. For that matter, since you are using the LaScalas in an also video setup, maybe an Oppo 105 is in order to give you many options of use but it will be just north of a grand. The Oppo's ESS Sabre DAC 9018 is at the top of the pile. Bill 2 Quote
minermark Posted March 14, 2015 Posted March 14, 2015 There is a guy on the Coffee and Cables thread that has a "Pass-a-Long loaner DAC Dragon Fly. 2 Quote
eth2 Posted March 14, 2015 Posted March 14, 2015 (edited) There is another guy on the Forum who has a Benchmark DAC1 usb at a great price. These are fantastic mark1101. Edited March 14, 2015 by eth2 Quote
DizRotus Posted March 14, 2015 Posted March 14, 2015 (edited) If I'm not mistaken, my recently acquired Pono player ($299 through Kickstarter) has a highly regarded ESS 9018 DAC chip. That DAC enables me to play high resolution files through my 2-channel system. The sound is significantly better than vinyl, CDs or mp3s. I've never listened to more expensive DACs, but it's hard to imagine they could make a significant improvement. Edited March 16, 2015 by DizRotus 1 Quote
Schu Posted March 14, 2015 Posted March 14, 2015 OP... the chipset choice is only the beginning of the equation. but starting with a great chipset set like the ess9018 makes a great difference. Quote
Rich_Guy Posted March 15, 2015 Posted March 15, 2015 My MHDT Havana NOS Tube DAC was a very nice improvement to my music listening, I'd highly recommend this DAC. Very crystal clear clarity and such warm sounding music, it seems like my digital music now has a wonderful analog sound which is so much more musical. I absolutely love the sound of this DAC on my system. 2 Quote
joessportster Posted March 16, 2015 Posted March 16, 2015 I will give the Havana a second vote and it can be had under 1 grand new (builder sells through ebay) the ESS 9018 is a nice chip for detail and resolution but depending on implementation it can be strident. My advice is to determine how you like your music to sound, are you a fan of resolution and high detail very neutral sound, or do you prefer analogish sound quality My Havana is also here to stay, It does an analog signature very well and is sublime with acoustic, jazz, classic rock, etc... another very good dac is the Schiit Uber Bifrost at 530.00, and the Centrance DacMini at around 800.00 Quote
joessportster Posted March 16, 2015 Posted March 16, 2015 My MHDT Havana NOS Tube DAC was a very nice improvement to my music listening, I'd highly recommend this DAC. Very crystal clear clarity and such warm sounding music, it seems like my digital music now has a wonderful analog sound which is so much more musical. I absolutely love the sound of this DAC on my system. Which tube are you running rich ?? Quote
Rich_Guy Posted March 16, 2015 Posted March 16, 2015 Which tube are you running rich ?? I am using a Western Electric tube but off hand I do not know the number, I have this tube and the original GE tube. Quote
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