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New DAC Not a Dramatic Improvement?

Ok, So after much thought and asking questions here on audiogon as to whether I should get a new cdp or DAC, I decided on a DAC because I plan on implementing a music server with a Mac Mini. I got it last week and hooked it up so that I could do A/B comparisons with my cdp as is, and through the DAC. My cdp is a 1-2 year old Onkyo dv-sp405 dvd/cd player. At first I was impressed. The bass and vocals were more defined, and there seemed to be more space. Not a lot more space, but just a little bit more openess. The vocals were also moved forward in the soundstage and had more thickness. The thing is, none of these things were very dramatic. THe more time I have sat and listened and done comparisons on many cd's I find the results vary. On some cd's there is significant improvement, and on others, hardly noticeable. In a blind test, do I think I could reliably say whether I was listening to the cdp directly or through the DAC? Let's just say I wouldnt bet my life on it. I probably wouldnt even bet 20$ on it, unless I could hear the two back to back, and on some recordings, not even then.

Now I know about diminishing returns, but I would think the difference between a 150$ dvd/cdp and a 2K$ DAC would be pretty obvious. On top of that, My DAC is hooked up with Transparent Cables (MW Super) and my cdp with 50$ Monster Cables.

Continuing.. I expect some people with say that a good dac needs a good transport. Some will probably say that the dac is being held back by the onkyo as a transport. I have also compared the cdp through the DAC against apple lossless files played from my computer through USB. They are identical.

What could be the weak link? I do not want to say what DAC I am using but lets just say it is a very recent one and around 2K. It is from a very respected company and very well reviewed. My other gear is a McIntosh MA6450 integrated, gallo ref 3.1 speakers, transparent cables. Could it be that my amp is not very revealing? I am thinking about selling the DAC and getting a cheaper one (DAC MAGIC, PS AUDIO DL3) since I will need one for my Mac Mini anyway. Honestly, I just dont think I can justify having 2K in my current DAC for the minimal difference.

Thanks for any insight you can provide.
farjamed
Post removed 
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
"Apple lossless is exactly what the word says: Lossless. Period."

That all depends on whether you rip directly to ALAC with iTunes or rip with EAC first and then convert to ALAC with iTunes. Try it.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
The Priority for digital audio should be:

1) lower jitter - source and cables
2) get a good DAC
3) get a good preamp or even better, eliminate it

These things will make a bigger difference than focusing only on the DAC.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
argyro
438 posts
 
"That all depends on whether you rip directly to ALAC with iTunes or rip with EAC first and then convert to ALAC with iTunes."

Why would that make a difference? I don't get it.

Please don't tell me "Listen", from a technical point of view it shouldn't make any difference at all. Except if there is a problem with the ripping in one of the two applications mentioned.
tholt
551 posts
 
Mapman, I understand what you're saying. No argument. I was just saying that its also possible to have an integrated work for that price just as well, and when you said you didn't know of a high powered enough one, i think that it's possible. I don't know of one either, but for $2k, there must be something. This was only suggested since the OP has an integrated and expressed wishing to stick with that route. I read you loud and clear.

Tvad, not sure how many posts you had to make to become unofficial Agon Fairy of All Points and Counterpoints Made, but it's obvious from this thread and the others I've read with your comments that you think pretty highly of yourself around here. Im wondering if you're this much of a cock in the real world.
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