As to the original poster's question about small footprint dacs that decode HDCD, the only brand I'm aware of are the Assemblage 2 series. They were in a half width chassis like PS Audio uses for their current small component series. I've got one of their last ones manufactured, a 2.7 Platinum and it still sounds very fine. With an HDCD disc (and some redbooks,) I still prefer it's sound to the sound of the internal dac in my Marantz Sa11S1. As to Kijanki's question about non-hdcd vs redbook cds of less than stellar quality, the Doors are available in some HDCD issues. You could compare Rhino's redbook remasters to the English HDCD remasters to make a comparison, although not an exact one.
Is it the transport or DAC that enables HDCD/Red?
Good morning all,
I am new to transports and seperate DAC's. I recently purchased a Parasound CBD 2000 Belt Drive Transport and am looking to buy a DAC.
However, I am not sure what signal the transport is to provide in order for me to play HDCD as well as Redbook CD's. Should I expect the transport to provide the HDCD and Redbook signal or does the DAC do all the work?
Does balanced in/outputs produce a better sound than does regular RCA in/outputs?
Right now I am looking for a compact DAC (the smaller the better) that offers good to excellent sound for not a lot of money. I listen to classical (choral/orchestral) and jazz music. I love the human voice and large scale orchestral and choral works.
What shoud I be looking for since this is all a mystery to me at this point. I am just being honest. I really don't know what's happening in this area. By the way, I would be pleased if you would offer some of your choices please.
Finally, I am reading more so that I can learn more. Thanks so much for your understanding and input. Have a great and wonderful day and weekend.
I am new to transports and seperate DAC's. I recently purchased a Parasound CBD 2000 Belt Drive Transport and am looking to buy a DAC.
However, I am not sure what signal the transport is to provide in order for me to play HDCD as well as Redbook CD's. Should I expect the transport to provide the HDCD and Redbook signal or does the DAC do all the work?
Does balanced in/outputs produce a better sound than does regular RCA in/outputs?
Right now I am looking for a compact DAC (the smaller the better) that offers good to excellent sound for not a lot of money. I listen to classical (choral/orchestral) and jazz music. I love the human voice and large scale orchestral and choral works.
What shoud I be looking for since this is all a mystery to me at this point. I am just being honest. I really don't know what's happening in this area. By the way, I would be pleased if you would offer some of your choices please.
Finally, I am reading more so that I can learn more. Thanks so much for your understanding and input. Have a great and wonderful day and weekend.