I believe the 7030 uses a Wolfson DAC....considered one of the best bang for the buck DACs out there. Been thinking about getting the 7030 to replace the dated JVC I've had for years. I think you sold me OP! Last time I looked it was $299 at Crutchfield. Thanks for the write-up....
Digital Dilemma
I purchased an inexpensive Onkyo C-7030 CD Player more as just a transport, but also to use as a benchmark to compare to streaming music on-line. With intentions to get the streamed content to sound as good, if not better, than the CD player could muster.
After sitting my wife down for a listen (she has better ears than me) and playing Tidal, Quboz and then the same tracks on a CD, the CD was the clear winner every time. It also seems the CD playing without using the Gustard R26 DAC didn’t even sound all that much better than when played through the CD Player only, bypassing the R26. That doesn’t say too much for the R26 DAC or alternatively, it says a lot for the DAC in the CD Player!
I am using the R26 as the renderer via a LAN connection that is optically isolated. There are a few filters and adjustments on the DAC, but tweaking those still didn’t get the sound quality up to that of the CD Player.
A lot of you say you have achieved streaming that sounds as good as your analogue systems. What do you think, do I need a betted DAC?
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@sejodiren - I paid $199 for it on Amazon last week, but they must be reading this thread as it just went up $50! Grab it while it's hot: ttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B004UR487A?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
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@curiousjim - Belden 5000 UE 12 AWG - 4 feet long with locking bananas. |
I’d recommend not overcomplicating this upfront and just start with the streamer and decent USB cable and see how that works for you. The upgraded power supply, clock, etc. can all be added later and give you something to look forward to for further meaningful improvements down the road. |
- 83 posts total