Benefits of an external DAC

@mahler123

I suspect the Mytek and Bryston DACs you tried are both Stereophile Class A or A+ ?

My suggestion to the OP is to try a Class A+ DAC. IMHO that will yield a subtle improvement over the Oppo. The Oppo is obviously very good value so a lot depends on the OP willingness to spend 1000+ extra dollars to get somewhat diminishing returns. Obviously in the $1000 range the Oppo holds its own.

I’d suggest Stereophile Class A+ in the $2000 to $5000 range and not too expect "day and night" improvement but more of a subtle difference. A difference that can be appreciated by a discerning listener but not necessarily blindingly obvious in A to B switching against the Oppo.

I would also recommend to NOT use the preamp between DAC and poweramp but minimize the signal path - each additional set of electronics risks adding unwanted noise and distortion and Class A+ products will have excellent quality output in their own right.

Wisdom in that last post shadorne re: expectations. IME, there are the step-function improvements that result from moving step by step from mi-fi to hi-fidelity equipment, especially speakers and sources. Also getting the room right. Lots of "Holy Cow" moments during that phase. Lots of fun. This is the "audio enthusiast" phase.

Then the path becomes one of discovering the strengths and weaknesses of what was created in phase one. Some changes are usually inevitable depending on how wisely you chose and frankly how lucky you were re: the extent that changes are necessary. Lots of fallout in this phase so I think of it as the "sorting out" phase, both of equipment and also "the listener" that has now evolved (or fallen away).

Once that is sorted, then comes the phase of "the serious listener", comparing different very-good to excellent source components, improvements in cabling and the quality of AC power, vibration elimination, etc. Differences/improvement is often subtle compared to the earlier phase, but are just as significant to a serious listener as these things then determine whether you created a microscope, a telescope or merely some sunglasses.

All along the way, one learns, or should learn, not to hastily judge changes as it is almost always a mistake.

I do not agree however with prescribing things such as whether or not to use a preamp between DAC and amplifier as there are too many variables in each system and listener preferences, so others should simply be encouraged to experiment and decide for themselves.

Dave

Oppos only good for background music? That's some serious elitism right there. They're great sounding digital players at their price and are fine for serious listening. I'm sure the chord Dave is better.. doesn't mean you have to dis a lower priced product that is an established solid player.

OP - I'm interested to see if you'll drop the coin on a high price DAC. If you do, please post back with impressions. I'm unendingly curious about this stuff.

The tube DAC may be different but is not necessarily superior. Did you measure the frequency response? CD red book is the product of the largest research effort ever into audio reproduction, by one the worlds best physics labs of the time.The DAC chips inside these modern external DACs are manufactured by a handful of chip makers, and have now all reached audio perfection at very low cost (they only cost a few dollars each if bought in volume). Implementation is straightforward as long as the DAC designer follows the instructions of the chip maker. Hence I think your observations are what was to be expected. I did a similiar test with a range of different DACs (some very cheap) in a system with Quad 2805 electrostats. I was unable to discern any difference.

Yes, different, not necessarily better. I do perceive a wider soundstage and more fleshed out midrange, not unlike going from a SS amp to a tube amp.