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Back to the DAC

Just a bit of an update. When I inquired about a DAC upgrade in a recent post, it was suggested that I look at upgrading my cables first. Since then, I have done so (see my virtual system for that). Not over the top stuff, but a definite improvement over the mostly stock, generic cables I originally had.

System is sounding pretty darn good, but like most of us, you always wonder what a more expensive DAC will offer in the way of sound quality improvements.

Many of the recommended, higher priced DACs seem to include streamers and/or offer pre-amp capabilities. I have a good streamer and pre-amp and really don’t want all those components in one box.

Have any of you experienced a DAC which offers the sound qualities of highly praised units like the Mola Mola Tambaqui, DCS Lina, T&A 200, Weiss DAC501, etc. which their only function is a DAC?

128x128navyachts
navyachts's avatar
navyachts OP
654 posts
 

I hooked up the M1 Series II yesterday and did some A/B'ing with my Gustard R26. Does the M1 sound over 6 times the cost of the R26, no, but it does sound better. I am not well versed in technical terms of audio but the musical instruments sound more real. I really do have to give the R26 very high praise for its great sound qualities at the given price point.

To put the R26 further on the pedestal, I found that stepping up to the Aurender N200 did not sound 3 times (the cost) better than the R26 using it as a renderer via its LAN connection.

I'm done for now, thanks to you all for your help & support on my audio journey, time to sit back and enjoy the music!

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navyachts's avatar
navyachts OP
654 posts
 

@tvad thanks for your kind words and advice. I will try the M1 network’s card, for sure. I will also try using the unit as a pre-amp and possibly free up another component as well. It is definitely a quality piece of equipment.

Have a great weekend!

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kclone's avatar
kclone
689 posts
 

For my DAC, I was using the DAC in my McIntosh MA 8950 integrated amp. It worked well with my Polk Audio R700s. But then I got a pair of Klipsch Cornwall 4s. They would sound outstanding on some recordings but on a lot of material they would sound hard or bright. I tried positioning, cabling etc..Most owners say you need tubes with these speakers but I didn’t want to mess with a tube amp because my stereo is also tied in with tv and its apps. I thought I would try tubes in the chain somewhere though so I got an affordable tube DAC ,the Black Ice FX DAC. I put some $400 Mullards in it from Kevin Deal (Upscale audio). That really did the trick. Now the Cornwallis sound great, no listening fatigue at all. I really love this DAC. But realizing how much a DAC move improved my system, I thought about trying more highly regarded DACs to see if I can improve it even more. I ended up ordering the LAiV Harmony. I wanted to try the Audio Mirror Tubadour V but wasn’t sure about spending $7500. I also considered the Canor DAC 2.10 @ $4000. Both tube DACs. If for some reason I do not like the Laiv, I will look into getting one of those two. The LAiV ships at the end of June, they had already sold out of their first production run.

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