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newbie DAC question

Hello!

I broke into the HiFi world about two years ago and l would love to know if a DAC would improve my system in a way that's worth my while. I currently have the following setup:

- Elac Debut B6s
- Music Hall A15.2 integrated
- Onkyo C7030 CD player
- Sextet and Bel interconnnects borrowed from a buddy
- Speakers are on stands carefully placed where they work best with the carpeted room.

I've read good reviews on the Musical Fidelity V90DAC and several Schiit models, but I can't determine, based on any literature out there, if my setup is at a level that would make a DAC worthwhile (or even noticeable). If it WOULD make a difference, does anyone have any suggestions for coaxial or optical interconnnects to go along with it?

Thank you much!
kremrik
erik_squires
16,042 posts
 
The Chromecast is probably a challenge for any DAC. I love my 1st Gen chromecast, but for Anime, not music. :) For that I love my Logitech Squeezebox touch.

Interesting review of using the CC just came out today by the way. 

DAR Reviews Chromecast 2nd Gen

Based on the lack of specs for it's music capabilities, I always knew it was not intended to be a serious music playing product. I couldn't even find a listing of supported file formats, forget resolution. :)

Best,

ERik
kremrik OP
18 posts
 
@erik_squires actually I did a decent amount of direct comparisons between CD and CA quality. My overall impression is that, no, the CA does not sport same-as-cd quality. Not really a shocker for $35! However - the quality is remarkably close. On the albums I used to test this out, I noticed a slight lack of high end detail (appears softer, more laid back) and a small lack of overall THEREishness, if that makes sense. When compared directly, CDs sounded more spacious and the CA sounded more like a center channel and two front surrounds, but just barely. Despite having no specs posted about it, the overall performance is so close in my (budget) system that unless I had the cd version to compare it with, I would have a difficult time hearing any deficiencies. My setup isn't mercilessly revealing and it's not terribly pricey, so others might have different opinions!
erik_squires
16,042 posts
 
Interesting!!

I'm getting a wyred4Sound Remedy though, as an add on for my Squeezebox though.  I want to try it out. The SB was reviewed and found to have very low jitter, remarkably low jitter for a low cost product, but I'm curious.

Best,

Erik
coli
291 posts
 
Nope, get AV receiver instead. Integrated is going to sound better unless you go pro audio stack.
kremrik OP
18 posts
 
@coli I'll be honest, at the price range I'm working with, I probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a receiver, integrated amp, or amp/preamp stack. I like the *idea* of a simple integrated amp the most, but I think most people wanting to spend less than $300 on an amp would be just as happy following your suggestion.
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