2. digital
  3. 1232817998

Looking for DAC/CD player solution

I'm a newbie that has recently acquired a pair of Usher BE 718's and will soon acquire either a Musical Fidelity or Bel Canto Integrated amplifier. My cables are budget audiophile, got interconnects for $35 at 60% off and speaker cables at $65, also 60% off.

I will buy a Blu ray player soon, either a Panasonic or the new Oppo.

I would like improvement in sound to:

1. CD music
2. Computer music
3. music and movies from Comcast cable box
4. Will use Netflix Roku box
5. Would like to use Rhapsody's unlimited music availablity for $10-$15 per month (have a very small music collection), and other services such as Pandora.

What do you think i should do?

1. Buy an upscale CD player used
2. Get a mod to a Panasonic or Oppo BD player
3. Use the Panasonic or Oppo and get a DAC

Can i use the DAC to improve Comcast cable TV sound and Roku and or Squeezebox sound?

I don't mind switching the inputs much. I've heard the Valab Nos is a good deal, and how much of an improvement would a Bel Canto or other $500-$700 DAC be (used).

How can i get Rhapsody? (can't use it with Squeezebox)
my computer is brand new, it has an HDMI,USB port, but no firewire.

I want to have good sound that is equivalent to the components that i slready have. What is a transport exactly?

Where else should i spend money (power cord, tube addition, tube based cd player, etc)? Would prefer to buy used and spend no more than $700, unless it provides very good bang for the buck and a marked improvement over what i can get for $700. Thanks!!!
indiesound
danmyers
135 posts
 
I think you should look at a pre-pro. Anthem is a good place to start. Parasound and Outlaw Audio are other options in this space. These products will work with all your equipment and are the most "digital centric."

There are integrated amps with built in DACs. Musical Fidelity makes the A1008, Bel Canto has the S300iu. This will help you avoid switching cables as much, but not address HDMI as well as a pre-pro.

For completeness there are CDPs with DACs that can be used by external sources. Wadia is one of the better known in this category.
chadlesko
94 posts
 
I like Danmyers suggestions above...I am doing the same things you are with the Be-718's...streaming to a PS3 (same as your squeezbox) then into an Arcam AVR350 (internal DAC)...I am thinking about putting an external DAC between the PS3 and Receiver, but the sound is real nice now.

If you are thinking about Bel Canto amps, you might want to consider their DAC with volume control? Not sure how many inputs they have for sources.

Whatever you do make sure you get plenty of watts...these speakers sing with the right amplification and sound decent but somewhat flat with lesser amps.

If I started over with wiring I would go with JPS wires because they are internally wired with the same brand.

Cheers
indiesound OP
24 posts
 
i'm in the process of getting a pre-pro, like i said a Bel Canto or a Musical Fidelity but have a $35 DVD/CD player from Walmart.

I need a better CD player, or will use a Blu ray with a DAC. Just hoping i could use the DAC for all of my sources and save the money from buying an upscale CD player.

Are you saying that the pre/pro will be enough? Won't the source be poor if i use a cheap Blu ray player?
danmyers
135 posts
 
Integrated Amplifier is not the same as a pre/pro. Neither Bel Canto nor Musical Fidelity make pre/pros. Go read up on the Anthem D2 and then let's talk some more.

Yes, you need a better CDP. The pre/pro, or int/amp/ with a DAC, can be used to process the sound from a cheap CDP (needs a digital out - does yours have one?) If it does, you can start by using it as a transport and letting your new pre/pro or int/amp wDAC handle sound processing.
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