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Another What "DAC" Would Be Good for CD OPT Output Use.

I have been around long enough on forums to know that the same old tired question comes up depending on what kind of forum your on. So first let me say thank you in advance for taking up digital space on this section.

Short and sweet. I just picked up a new Yamaha CD 603 CD Carisel Player. It has an OPT output as well as Analog. I know there are much better DAC's, but having been in the Pro Audio Business and Worked for Yamaha Repairing there Pro Audio Large Format Mixing consoles, I like there Quality.

 

Here's the info I would like from the experts here. I would like to add a higher quality DAC to the Audio chain thru the OPT output of the Yamaha. I don't need a 5 Bazillion dollar DAC but one inline with the $600.00 price of the Yamaha CD

So...What price range would you suggest as well as Make and Model.

The Playback system consists of a Marantz 3300 Preamp Driving a Marantz model 250 Power Amp for Hig 's and Mids and a Marantz Model 500 Power Amp Driving the Lows. There is also a Marantz Model 150 tuner in the system.

 

The Speakers are 4 Electro Voice Sentry III Floor standing speakers. Two Per Side. One turned upside-down on top of the other so that the two horns mate in the center. So that's 4 15" Lows 4 120* tweeters and 4 120* Sectoral Mid Horns

 

Thanks In Advance.

Mark R

mrkrichman
mrkrichman OP
39 posts
 

Thanks "kofibaffour"

I tune into the "Cheap Audio Man" on You tube every once in a while. and he loves Fosi stuff. I have watched him review and compare different DAC's and the one you posted looks Great.. Fosi has a lot of different levels to start at. I like their. chip set selection and packaging. My old Panasonic 5 disc player (X2) one in the shop for testing repaired equipment and one in the main home system. Those internal DAC's are old chip set designs. I know I can do better that's why I posted here as many here have a tremendous knowledge in regards to recommendations.

Thanks Guys...   Also If you never watched this guy .. you should get a kick out of his Videos..He has done hundreds of Audiofile Videos on different topics.

 

Enjoy..https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbXW0xMJevg

Mark R

mrkrichman OP
39 posts
 

lanx0003

10-04-2025 4:02pm EST

$1k DAC like Harmony uDac or Topping D90 III Discrete will do but I am concerned on your Marantz 3300 Preamp will be the limting factor.

 

Yep You are correct. That is Old Discrete Tech. Might have the Vintage sound but limited in Transient Response as in the newer equipment. The old stuff like mine is good for what I listen to. I'm 50-50 between Vinyl and CD. I love my Direct To Disc Recordings from Sheffield Labs who started the process back in the day. Anyway..If I can spend the right amount just to get some better sound then then the old DAC in the Panasonic CD I can live with a small loss thru the Marantz 3300 Pre Amp. Thanks For Your Reply.

Mark R
freediver
1,451 posts
 

IMO,the Topping E70 Velvet DAC is absolutely the best value DAC you can get under $1000.00 & easily competes with $1000.00 DACS for SQ!

laoman's avatar
laoman
543 posts
 

"IMO,the Topping E70 Velvet DAC is absolutely the best value DAC you can get under $1000.00"

This depends whether you like a  really shrill mid range that makes listening difficult.

jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
1,839 posts
 

Look for a DAC with the old Philips TDA1541 ladder-type chipset.

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