From the description of your room/system, you have bigger fish to fry than a DAC.
Just sayin......
Is there a DAC ranking list?
This is a follow up from my previous thread seeking more definition and presence in my music. Among other ideas, I was advised to get a new DAC and several brands were tossed out from $100 to $1700+. The world of DAC’s is large, and I’m wondering if there’s a ranking list for them, similar to Crinicles list for earphones. I especially like the value ratings on that list, such as “Redefines the price bracket.”
Here’s a recap of my scenario:
I listen to jazz at lower volumes on radio.garden.com via my Apple iPad pro
My room is big, 20ft by 40ft, no carpeting or drapes, with a corner LP triangle
Apple AirPort Express Wireless Router a1392 300Mbps
B & O BeoLab 8000 powered speakers, 10ft from the LP
Hsu ULS15 Mk II 15in sealed sub imid-room
Paradigm Monitor Series 7 12in sealed sub mid-room via wireless transmitter
Monoprice cables 10ft and 25ft, 22awg, 3.5mm plugs to RCA connections
I am sure there are many good and great DAC’s out there. But are there some that punch above their price category? I also don’t want to pay a premium for one that exceeds the quality capabilities of the rest of my system.
My music sounds “A++” with my Moondrop Blessing headphones, so listening to radio.garden.com on my iPad is giving me the quality of sound that I am seeking for my speakers.
Also, I don’t know if I need a DAC with a preamp or a streamer. Thx for any ideas you might have that could help me.
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From the description of your room/system, you have bigger fish to fry than a DAC. Just sayin...... OK, ozzy62, I’d like you to expand on that if you would. I’ve started room treatment by adding 7 utility mats on the floor. As I mentioned, I’m very happy with the sound of my Moondrop Blessing earphones. My guess is that the weak links are the AirPort Express and/or streaming on the iPad Pro. What would you address to take a step forward? |
You nailed it. My first pause for concern was the room as you described it. No curtains or carpet makes for a very lively space. If you are addressing that, we can cross that off the list. The second one is the streaming configuration. You’d be much better served with a dedicated streamer connected to your modem and/or hard drive, if sound quality is of import. And by "LP triangle in the corner" can I assume you mean a record player? If so, this is a very bad place to locate it. Standing bass waves can wreak havoc in corners and don’t play nice with a turntable. If I misunderstood, please disregard. Lastly, the B&O speakers would be another weak link I'd be looking at.
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Agree with @ozzy62 Your cabling also. The monoprice long cable likely degrades sound. I would start with a Bluesound Node 2 and get your streaming in order, then you can add an outboard DAC later if you want to further improve sound quality. |
- 76 posts total