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Counterpoint DA-11 - Genesis Dig. Lens - DA-10 Dac

Just wondering if anyone has tried the combination of using a Counterpoint DA-11 transport and the DA-10 Dac, both partnered with a Genesis Digital Lens.

I've listened to several digital setups in the $5,000.00 to $25,000.00 range and could still hear some high frequency shrill when listening to opera or piano. I am not sure if I am simply imagining the relatively better -- I suppose more analog and natural -- sound quality coming out of the much more humble Counterpoint-Digital Lens setup. These are relatively older components without any upgrades, so I would tend to think today's superior technology in chips and dacs would far surpass the seemingly outdated technology.

Thank you for your responses and pardon if my inquiry is loaded with contradictions, misunderstandings, or misperceptions on digital technology, as my primary source of listening is vinyl.
somut
jedinite24's avatar
jedinite24
1,503 posts
 
Hi

Does anyone have any experience with the Counterpoint DA-11.5 CD transport and care to share? I found one locally by me for $650 with a new laser. I'm hoping to pair this transport with a McCormack DAC-1 or an Audio Alchemy DDE v3 & a AA DTI Pro32. Thanks in advance.
firochromis
18 posts
 
Hi fellow Audiogoners,

I also wonder how you rate the performance of the DA-11 and DA-10 if you compare them to the modern units? I'm a vinly person and my primary investment is to the analog. I'm searching for a SA_5.1 and maybe a SA-2 for the phono side, so why not more Counterpoints for the digital side?

Regards,

Firat.
rx8man's avatar
rx8man
1,484 posts
 
Dave and John are correct, these are excellent and can be brought up to higher standards or repaired (if necessary) through Mike at Alta Vista Audio.

The Manley Ref, Museatex Bidats also excellent, funny how these flew under the radar after all these years.
smhyde
12 posts
 
I have found a DA-10 and DA-11 for sale local to me and I'm considering buying one or both pieces. Would the great sound be lost by using JUST the DA-11 straight into a mid-grade receiver's optical port?

In other words, is the richness coming from the quality of the CD Transport or the quality of the Counterpoint DAC?

I can probably pick up the pair for around $800. Good deal?

And, this is a really old unit by now. Aren't there any BETTER CD Transports / DACs on the market by now or is this still a great bang for the buck? I struggle to think that 10 year old technology is better than some of the gear that's on the market today.
sogood51
2,157 posts
 
The standard DAC was around $1,800 (it sounded pretty good), and the upgraded DAC with the Ultra Analog DAC card "option" was another $1,500 or so (it sounded even better).

Other upgrades followed in the years after Counterpoint went under.....I know nothing about the sound of these.

I had the upgraded original model with the Ultra Analog card. I paid $500 for it, used it for a few years...and sold it for $500 to someone in Japan around 3-4 years ago.

I don't really know anything about the DA-11 transport.....I had a Kinergetics transport at the time.

Dave
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