2. digital
  3. 987520327

CAL Alpha DAC v AA DDE3.0

I was considering replacing my AA DDE 3.0 with the CAL Alpha dac to acquire a less 'digital' sound. I currently have an AA DTIPRO32 feeding the AA DDE via an I2S cable. Would the benefits of using the CAL Alpha dac outweigh the losses of not using the I2S cable (hooking up the DTI to the CAL Alpha with coax rather than I2S)? Or would this just negate most of the effect of the DTI because of the S/PDIF conversion necessary for the coax connection?

Thanks!
jdh12312377c5
jdh12312377c5 OP
1 posts
 
Thank you for taking the time to reply. I will have to try to find a loaner and experiment. Without the I2S, I have a feeling I would lose some of the pace and rhythm gained in cleaning up the jitters, but I guess this would be DAC dependent also. The Alpha/Delta DAC/transport from CAL is supposed to be quite good.

I don't remember having the ST option with my DTI PRO 32. I will have to look. That would be a good way to go also.

Thanks again!
ghostrider45
449 posts
 
The DTI Pro 32 comes stock with an ST out. The ST in was custom ansd replaced the TOSLINK input (I had mine done to use with the Wadia).

Modern DACS have gotten better at reducing jitter,. and with a good interconnect I think you'll get good performance.

Once again, good luck!
vegasears
1,173 posts
 
Last year I bought an older, used CAL Alpha/Delta on Audiogon. I had the Alpha upgraded to (96/24) HDCD compatible. I use fiber optic connection between each device. The CAL combo replaced an AA DDEv1.0 with a Magnavox 560. The CAL combo is better then the AA and 560 in every area. It took the digital tin out of my music. It has been fun going back through all my cd’s and hearing them for the first time, again.
device18f3
1 posts
 
The CAL Alpha is a great DAC, but with a non-CAL transport, you will find a substantial improvement over the Delta DAC.
I use a MicroMega T-drive transport with the Alpha DAC and the results are really excellent.
vegasears
1,173 posts
 
I agree with Device. The Delta is the weak link. It was manufactured in 93 and there have been a lot of changes since then. When and if it breaks in will look into the MicroMega T-Drive.
More to discover