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PS Audio DL 3 or MF Tri Vista 21 DAC?

Your thoughts on which is better? I was debating getting a new cdp, but from the advice of other audiogon members, and thinking it over, I think it is a better idea to get a good DAC to use with my current cdp, and wait until I figure out exactly how I want to implement a hard drive based system.

So, from what I have read these are 2 very good DACs, but which is a better buy? What are the strenghts/weaknesses of each. The MFTV21 listed for $2400 and Im hoping to pick it up here on Audigon for around $1100. The PSADL3 lists for $999 and I could get it for around $750 here. What about the level 3 or level 4 Cullen circuits modded DL3 at around $1500 new?

Should they both retain their value pretty well?

Thanks,
James

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In case it matters, I am using a MAC 6450 Integrated amp, and Gallo Ref. 3.1 speakers. Transparent Cables. The cdp is an Onkyo dvd player.
farjamed

Showing 3 responses by sns

sns
3,003 posts
 
At the price level you're looking at I would reassess your choice of a seperate DAC. I've tried tons of digital cables, they can make a big difference, a good one is costly. Secondly, transports make a big difference, you will not be hearing the potential of either of those DACs using the Onkyo as a transport.
sns
3,003 posts
 
Brian claims transports may not make much difference as long as the DAC reclocks the signal. I don't agree, all DACs reclock the signal, some do a better job than others, the two DACs your looking at don't reclock as thoroughly as Esoterics for one example. I would try to audition various transports to determine whether they make a difference for you. I've found transports and digital cables do make a large difference, others here find the same thing.
sns
3,003 posts
 
Brian, perhaps we have a misunderstanding of clocks. When I speak of reclocking, I mean the quartz oscillators that all DACS have. Yes, there are other DACS that have jitter attenuators that go by other names, but essentially they all do the same thing, attenuate jitter.

And yes, perhaps Farjamed's Onkyo transport and some relatively cheap digital cable alongside either of these DACS my satisfy him, he will not be hearing the full potential of either of those DACs. My own, and plenty of other people have found transports and digital cables can make a huge difference. Go back through the archives and see tons of opinions on this. I've even seen reviews and opinions on the Esoteric DACs benefitting from better transports and digital cables.

Bottom line. Farjamed may be better off with the DAC setup or he may be better off with CDP, I would like to hear a Cambridge 840 (perhaps some other CDPs) vs. this DAC setup.

Finally, I suspect Farjamed may be better off with a DAC with USB input if he's not willing to invest in a higher grade transport and digital cables.
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