Tact 2.2 XP: which configuration to get?


I'm considering getting a Tact 2.2 XP and need opinions from users. As you know the 2.2 XP has the option to get either digital or analog input, and same for amp out and for sub output.

I only need a digital source, so I'm thinking it makes no sense getting the 2.2 XP with ADC going in. Tact confirmed this, but would appreciate comments from users who have tried either configuration. I would then run a CD transport straight into the Tact.

I'm also wondering if I'm better off getting the built-in DAC for the amp or an external DAC with volume control. Should I do the latter, the DAC would act as a pre and the Tact as a processor only. Would be able to spend about $5k in an external DAC.

Finally, I've seen good comments about the 2.2 XP, but not much as far as sound signature. Can anyone comment?

FYI amp is McIntosh MC275 (tubes), speakers are B&W 804s , and sub is Rel Storm III sub (I sure need the analog out for this).

Thank you!
lewinskih01

Showing 3 responses by lewinskih01

Thanks for the replies.
Are you using the 2.2 built-in DAC for the main speakers, or do you have it connected to an outboard DAC? The configuration I envision once I'm done upgrading piecemeal would be: cd transport > 2.2 > outboard DAC > tube amp.

Your thoughts? Would I be waisting my money with the outboard DAC and additional interconnect?

As a newbee, this forum is a great learning spot. Thanks a lot!
Folks,

Thanks for the input. It has been 2 years since I posted, though, and in the meantime I got financially hurt (which delayed things) and have now chosen a different route: room treatments and a class A tube preamp. Quite a change!

I haven't yet discarded the Tact, although now I consider it as a room correction unit (on top of the room treatment) plus an outboard DAC unit. I'll revisit that down the road, when finances permit again.

Thanks anyway for the input.

Horacio
Jools,

The option I'm contemplating is for the digital signal to be fed to the 2.2XP for it processing and from there to an outboard DAC. This assumes he outboard DAC is better than the one supplied by Tact, which I don't know to be true.

Point taken about the added resolution and hence some crappy recordings will sound crappier. I gues that's our eternal tradeoff!

Thanks!
Horacio