Neither are not that good, but the Mac would be better.
rofl on the post usb being the best option. This is the worst option, and you didn’t even mention what the 2 best are.
Which of my components has the better built in DAC?
Hi, I have a Mcintosh c2700 preamp and also have the 2024 Bluesound Node, both units have a "built in" DAC.
I know that there are better options available but this is what I have to work with today.
Does anybody have a preference or recommendation which to use? Also what is the recommended hook up , digital coax or the optical?
Ultimately I will need to test out the options but please help me with a good starting point.
Thanks for any help!!
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+1 ... nice synopsis @akg_ca |
I am willing to bet that McIntosh does a better job of implementing whatever DAC chip is used. It isn’t just the chip, it’s power supply, the isolation, the quality of the associated parts, etc. My Oppo 105 and first generation Mytek Manhatten DAC had the same chip and the Mytek was far and away the better DAC. The Mytek cost 8 times more than the Oppo, and the Oppo also had video and networking responsibilities. It was and is a hell of a machine, by the Manhatten was optimized to do just one thing, had a lot more boom boom in the power supply and everything else. To me it was a fantastic demonstration that the chip alone doth not a DAC make. Without checking I am guessing that the Mac costs more than the Bluesound and I am cert has more of everything needed to optimize chip performance |
I am guessing the Mac has a better DAC, but it does come down to listening. As for the connection, ignore optical, it is down to USB or Coax. Using coax, all of the clocking ( and jitter) will come from the source, I.e. the Node. With USB only the data will be transferred and the clocking will be handled by the DAC. If we give the overall nod to the Mac, go with USB. And cables do matter, watch the used market and get something decent, lots of recommendations can be found on this site. |
- 15 posts total