2. misc-audio
  3. 1141837506

To Dac or not to Dac

I think I have too much time on my hands but,,,,, I am currently using a Arcam FMJ DVD27a CD/DVD player and I'm toying around with the idea of adding a DAC to my system. One option I am looking at is to get the new Musical Fidelity KW DAC.Any thoughs about adding the KW Dac would be appreciated.
The rest of my system consists of B&W 802D L/R speakers. Bryston 7B-SST monoblocks and a Mcintosh MX135 pre/pro.
edkoz
sgr's avatar
sgr
689 posts
 
You appear to have a system with enough resolution to apprecitate a DAC. In most cases adding a DAC will be an upgrade, but of course you'll have to audition carefully between your CD player and DAC/CD player. You will also need to purchase a high quality digital cable or your purchase will be in vain. I've heard good things about the Musical Fidelity stuff, but haven't auditioned it myself. There are many DACS to choose from on the used market. I'd look at Levinson,Theta, Cary, and many others you can research here on Audiogon with a little bit of searching.
justlisten's avatar
justlisten
489 posts
 
Ed

because I use 2 channel only in my video system to listen mostly to concert dvds, I run my DVD player into a Timbre TT1 dac...the audible difference is not subtle....I am also using good quality main speakers...
bigkidz
3,411 posts
 
Using a good digital cable is very important. Most of the DACs that I tired in my system made a difference over the stock players. There are many different DACs and they all have a sound. You need to pick one that you like in your system. There are plenty used on Audiogon that you can buy and resell for about what you pay for. Tube vs solid state is your first decision and then the amount you want to spend to get better sound.

Happy Listening.
edkoz OP
24 posts
 
Bigkids
Do you have any experience with any particular SS DAC that you think might enhance my system?
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