2. digital
  3. 1276475547

Digital out... does source matter?

Ok... Maybe I'm going to get some heat for this but here we go. I want to get a nice CDP. I'm currntly running the av multi out of my ps3 to my amp. Honestly, it doesn't sound bad. I think it rather sounds pretty good. I'm going to get a DAC for the sake of the Sonos player so I'm considering running optical out to the dac from the ps3. Here's the question. Would I really even benefit in buying a CDP if i ran with this idea? The dac would essentially be the sound. Isn't digital just that? Digital? I have a few cdps on my list ranging up to $1500 or so used and new. For that price should I just invest in a really spectacular dac and call it quits? I feel like without a cdp I'm seriously missing out on something in a sonic manner and, yes, materialistic manner. I'd still like a cdp but if I wont get much of a benefit in the price range stated above then I guess I just need to hold out a bit longer. I'm still considering the McIntosh MCD201. Of course I've only listened to it on a reference system. Not my GS10s. And it is in my price range. I am looking for resolution to balance out the warmer side down the line.

I know this post is a little scattered but if you can make sense of what I'm asking I would appreciate all insightful replies.
tiggerfc
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
Digital signals arry a clock timing signal. Unless you get a DAC that is immune to jitter (asynchronous type have become common in the last five years) then it can matter what your digital source is.
tiggerfc OP
153 posts
 
Now thats good info. Exactly what I couldn't quite figure out. Thanks!
4est
507 posts
 
No DAC is jitter immune, and the source is as important as the DAC IMHO. Even minute amounts of jitter can effect the sound of even a claimed "jitter immune" DAC. A transport that slaves to the DAC seems to fair be the best.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Go oppo 83se, best sound and video too.
tiggerfc OP
153 posts
 
I've gone over a few other threads where the oppo was highly recommended. But is that the best I can do for a $1,500-1,600 budget? I don't mind spending it all so long as it is the best I can get for that amount. Used I've seen those for around 800 or so. The MCD201 I mentioned I can pick up for $1,500 new. But I read another thread where someone mentioned that the dacs in the McIntosh sucked. And someone else mentioned in the virtual system thread of mine that I may not get very much improvement over my ps3 routed to a good dac vs. a good cdp. Sooooo... I have no idea where to go from here. If I had $5k to blow I'd start buying and auditioning. But I don't. I need to make an informed decision and hopefully a good one.
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