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How important is the transport when using a DAC?

Hello,

I've been thinking lately, if my transport is extreme low-end, is having a nice DAC a waste of time? In other words, if I am using a $60 Sony DVD/CD player to deliver the digital signal through a coax cable to my Arcam r-Dac, is that not doing it justice? Do you recommend I upgrade my transport to better meet the quality of the DAC or does it not matter?

Thanks!
learyscott
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Rrog -I dont manufacture or sell preamps.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Slaving is only possible with a tiny set of sources and a tiny set of DACs that output master or word clocks. Thats why. Its also no guarantee of greatness. You are at the mercy of the DAC designer and the clock and clock circuit that he designed.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Scott - I hope it is a good 1.5m glass cable, not a short plastic one.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
rrog
1,958 posts
 
Audioengr, What is an Empirical Audio DAC/Pre?
elberoth2's avatar
elberoth2
1,223 posts
 
The new DACs, using the latest digital input receivers, are far less sensitive than the DASs designed a few years back.

If only your player has a bit perfect output, I think you will get a bigger improvement by adding a quality linear power supply to your rDAC. The Teddy Pardo one, which is based on a super regulator solution, takes this DAC to entirely different level. Having had a lot of experience with this DAC, I cannot recommend this solution highly enough.

I also highly recommend using the rDAC via the USB in as it sounds best This way.
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