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Separate Transport & DAC: Why not?

Hello: While searching related topics I've run across a growing number of posts that discourage the notion of a separate transport and dac. The most common reasons given has to do with "more": more wires, longer, more complex signal path, etc. What are your opinions, pro and con and the reasoning behind them? If, though, this topic has been already addressed in detail, perhaps someone has post a link to that thread? FWIW, I've come across a great Pass Labs D1 and I'm wondering whether I should find a nice transport or perhaps sell the D1 and buy a CD player. Thanks!
veloceracing
philipma1957
2 posts
 
i had a separate transport and dac the plus side it sounds better. the down side mor cables both power and rca digital coaxs .i had trouble with ground loops etc. but when i finally set it up right it sounded better. i used a marantz as a transport a dip umpsampler for anti jitter and a msb dac and power supply the setup with cables cost about 1400. anothe plus side is if any single component breaks it is cheaper to replace. right now i have a modified pioneer because i listen to cds, sacds, audio dvds and movies. but i rather have this pioneer and the transport and dac for cds only
cmk
397 posts
 
I'm a believer in separates, tried CDPs and separates from the same brand and found that even though the DAC section is the same, there is a marked improvement in detail retrieval and resolution when going separate.

Now with the so reasonably priced Benchmark DAC1, I see no reason for anyone to go separate if you've got a half decent budget. Just get a half decent transport(DVDP), even one that outputs high resolution 24/96 in digital if possible, and you should get pretty good sound.
davewav1
47 posts
 
I use a separate dac and transport because it sounds better. My soundstage shrinks in depth and width and my speakers reappear with my standard redbook play on my Sony scd-1. I use a theta genVa for my redbook.

I auditioned the pass labs d1, while auditioning for my system. The disadvantage of the d1 as a preamp it will only allow you digital inputs. The pass labs d1 is great sounding and very musical. A very noticeable improvement over Wayne Colburn’s adcom reference cd player.

An old review of the pass labs D1
http://calab.kaist.ac.kr/~cgkim/audio/amp/zen/www.passlabs.com/d1_ua.htm

my system, Thiel 2.3’s, pass labs x-350, x-2, Sony SCD-1, theta gen va

Enjoy
dave
mcmanus
82 posts
 
Are there any DAC's with a volume control?

As I consider separates, I see a big advantage in players such as the well regarded Resolution Audio or the Audio Aero Capitole. You get the player, DAC and preamp in one package. And you spend less on cables.
jman66
54 posts
 
The Birdland Audio Odéon-Ag DAC has a built-in, remote controllable volume control.
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