2. digital
  3. 160811-106445

What’s the best DAC match for the Cambridge Audio CXC original or V2?

So I currently have an Oppo BDP 93 and a Schiit Bifrost Multi DAC. I keep reading over and over that the Cambridge CXC transport is the best in its price range, but I’ve seen little about what DAC’s pair well with it. My preamp is an ARC, SP9 MKll, and my amps are Acoustat servo’s. I’m also not opposed to keeping the Oppo and trying a different DAC.

New, used. Price TBT.

Thanks all.

JD
curiousjim
elevick
2,640 posts
 
I think the Cambridge is better than the Oppo.  Definitely warmer/smoother.
fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,648 posts
 
There is no such function as "pairing" a DAC to a transport. That's like "pairing" a turntable to a phono pre.
Sorry to disappoint you.
If you ever do see it, baloney.
curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim OP
5,449 posts
 
Thanks elevick,

With me having a tube preamp and tube outputs on my amps, do you think it might end up being tooo warm? The Bifrost is pretty cold, so it seems to work well with my setup, but if I get a CXC, is there a DAC you’d suggest I try?

All the best.

JD
curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim OP
5,449 posts
 
So fuzztone, you’re saying all dacs sound the same with all transports? Not one sounds better or worse with any transport? I guess all phono carts sound the same with all tone arms or phono preamps??


curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim OP
5,449 posts
 
pmm,

You’re correct, the final decision will have to be mine, but I was hoping to narrow the list down to maybe four or five to try to listen to by hearing the experience’s and suggestions from others on the forum.  Kinda like elevik saying the transport had a warm sound of its own.  
All the best.

JD
More to discover