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Is my Cal Audio Sigma II too old?

It seems like I have had my Cal Audio Sigma II DACs for 12 years or more. Is this too old? Have DACs come that much further since it was made? I always liked the warmth of this tube based DAC and currently have a Telefunken smooth plate in it and still enjoy the sound. Regardless of its age, it still sounds less harsh than the DAC built into the Sonos Connect I use for my digital listening. This is connected to a NAS drive with redbook cd flac files. I don’t really have the 2 grand at the moment for a Benchmark 3 or a Mytek Brooklyn but I’m not sure I need or want all that additional functionality. I just use it to decode the digital signal. Would a more modest DAC outshine this older unit?

The rest of the system consists of a McIntosh C712 preamp, McIntosh MC2102 tubed power amp and Magnepan 1.7i speakers.
128x128mzm6bb
audioengr
3,282 posts
 

A newer DAC will deliver more detail and better imaging/focus.

However, the jitter from the Sonos is something that should be addressed first.  If you don't have a low jitter source, the DAC will not make that much of a difference.  Many use the Synchro-Mesh to reclock the Sonos digital outputs to lower the jitter.  Synchro-Mesh also provides galvanic isolation on input and output, so eliminates the ground loop from Sonos to DAC.

Steve N.

Empirical Audio

mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
I would dump the older dac AND the Sonos for a Oppo Sonica (problem solved). I would then get rid of that pre amp it is the weak link in your system. You have a very special amplifier a different  pre amp would make the most positive change in sound.


Matt M
georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
The dac chip in the Cal Audio Sigma II is an old Cirrus Logic Delta Sigma, in my opinion not worth hanging on to.
If you play pcm "redbook cd flac files" as you said, then you should go with a R2R Multibit type dac, look at the Schiit Yaggdrasil.
http://www.schiit.com/products/yggdrasil
Cheers George
mzm6bb's avatar
mzm6bb OP
5 posts
 
Thanks for the input.  I realize the C712 is a weak link but I am someone who cannot live without tone controls, in this case the loudness knob.  I have been considering a C46 due to the 8 band EQ but I'm not sure how much of an upgrade it would be.  The C712 also has some sentimental value because I am the original owner since 1993 and it was my first decent piece of gear.
kalali's avatar
kalali
1,977 posts
 
Note note to self: Count the number of posts someone asked for a suggestion for upgrading xxxx (fill in the blank with any audio gear) and georgehifi did not respond by including a link to Schiit website or not recommend one of their products.
Sorry just could not resist...Please carry on.
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