You can try the M2Tech hiface for 30 days from Tweekgeek. I could hear a very slight difference going optical out from my mini to the PS Audio DLIII vs BDP-80 and Oppo 980 into the DAC. Using the hiface meant going asynchronous into the coaxial spdif and I believe was better. One consideration is how your DAC handles the input of optical vs coaxial. The hiface solves that problem. If your Integra has two coaxial spdif inputs you could compare CD>coax spdif>>Integra to the Mini USB>Hiface>coax>Integra and see if it is the same. In my system it is the same and I love having music on a HD.
I need help choosing a DAC
I'm new to the USB DAC world so I'm hoping you can help me determine which of your products is suitable.
Here's how I'm doing things now:
- Mac Mini
- iTunes for ripping and organization
- Front Row or PLEX for consumption
- CDs ripped at full AIFF or Apple Lossless or purchased FLAC
- Toslink cable from the Mini leads to an Integra Preamp (internal DAC) - amplification, etc.
When I want to the music to really shine, I use a BDP-83 as a transport and just listen to physical CDs. I love the Integra's DAC and just wish it had USB capabilities.
A/B comparisons between AIFF/Mini and CD playback reveal the following:
CD has better imaging and a wider soundstage, more detail and decay in the high end but still warm.
Do you think I will get better sound bypassing the Mini's sub par optical port and moving the data via USB? If so, which DAC is for me or is there a way to convert USB to coax (to Integra) without screwing the sound?
Anything that makes the music sound more digital or adds grit to the mids and highs is not desirable.
Here's how I'm doing things now:
- Mac Mini
- iTunes for ripping and organization
- Front Row or PLEX for consumption
- CDs ripped at full AIFF or Apple Lossless or purchased FLAC
- Toslink cable from the Mini leads to an Integra Preamp (internal DAC) - amplification, etc.
When I want to the music to really shine, I use a BDP-83 as a transport and just listen to physical CDs. I love the Integra's DAC and just wish it had USB capabilities.
A/B comparisons between AIFF/Mini and CD playback reveal the following:
CD has better imaging and a wider soundstage, more detail and decay in the high end but still warm.
Do you think I will get better sound bypassing the Mini's sub par optical port and moving the data via USB? If so, which DAC is for me or is there a way to convert USB to coax (to Integra) without screwing the sound?
Anything that makes the music sound more digital or adds grit to the mids and highs is not desirable.
- ...
- 8 posts total
- 8 posts total