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DACs: Airport Express vs waveterminal vs mini-dac

I know this is impossible to quantify, but with a good stereo system (Cayin TA30 tube integrated amp & Green Mountain Audio Europa speakers), what's the magnitude of difference using the following dacs?

Airport Express (I already have the AX, and can connect it to the integrated amp with RCA's [analog])

Waveterminal U24: computer to USB to waveterminal to amp (waveterminal does the DA conversion)

Inexpensive DAC like ART DIO with waveterminal: computer to USB to waveterminal to ART DIO to amp (ART DIO does DA conversion)

Apogee mini-dac: computer to USB to mini-dac to amp

Other?

What's the best bang for the buck?
mschamberlin3865
edumke
32 posts
 
I have a friend who switched from the Transit to a Waveterminal. He is using a powerbook and a MSB DAC. playing Apple Lossless files.

After switching to the Waveterminal he said "So that's what the music is supposed to sound like, it's like unfogging your glasses."

He also said he liked the way music sounded with the Transit, but he really likes how it sounds now.

Ed
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
One thing about the Transit - I use it with Foobar player and ASIO plug-in. These are critical on a PC to get the quality out of it. I also playback exclusively with 24/96 through my DAC. This makes all the difference. Leaves all transports in the dust.

I am thinking hard about buying an Airport Express and modding it to have a S/PDIF coax out. This might be the best solution for iMac, although I prefer a wired USB connection.
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Bought an AirPort Express and I will be modding it soon... I will let you all know if it is as good as the Transit on a PC.
wacomme
6 posts
 
Thank you. I look forward to your review.
njp
44 posts
 
Folks - first many thanks for taking the time to share your findings - it is much appreciated.

I am also looking for a great sounding solution to go from iTunes on a iMac G5 to my Ack!Dak DAC. The S/PDIF modded Airport Express seems like it would be just what I need technically - but whether I go this route primarily depends on the sound quality.

Audioengr - I'm really looking forward to your experiences with this.

Many thanks,
Neville
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