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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
freediver
1,451 posts
 

@laoman first off who the F is Asr?
 Second,I find it amazing that you know better than these PROFESSIONAL reviewers,whose findings I concur with:
"This one is easy.  The Topping E70V Velvet Edition is one of the best DACs under $500 I have heard.  Even more-so than the Topping E70.  Compared directly to the RME ADI-2 PRO FS R Black Edition DAC($1700.00 MSRP) that uses the AKM AK4493 chip, the Topping E70V comes pretty close!  No, it doesn’t match or beat the RME, but considering the price($350.00), it makes the Topping a real winner in its own right"
"​​​​​​Overall, the Topping E70 Velvet DAC is a high-quality and versatile device that offers exceptional sound quality, build, and features. With its flagship AKM AK4499EX DAC chip, Hi-Res Audio Wireless support, and THD of only 0.00006%, it can deliver true high-resolution audio with incredible accuracy and detail."
"​​​​​​Furthermore, the E70 Velvet aptly lives up to its name, delivering a smooth and silky sound that doesn’t compromise on detail or transparency."
"​​​​​​Topping E70 Velvet – An Amazing DAC at an Amazing Price"
This is one of the most musical Toppings ever released, and also one of the best DACs that I ever tested up to 500 dollars."
 

Pros

  • Transperent sound
  • Good tone timbre
  • Great value

Cons

  • Nothing for the price"
     I have NEVER had a problem with any of the 3 Topping DACS I have owned..It is YOU who does a disservice to ANYONE looking for a QUALITY DAC with EXCELLENT SQ at a fair price..You are OBVIOUSLY AN AUDIO SNOB with more $ than brains!!!
laoman's avatar
laoman
543 posts
 

@freediver

As you posted with such authority, I thought you knew something about what you were posting. Now I see you do not. Quoting one review that says nothing about the quality of components, build quality or customer service certainty does a disservice to someone who asks for a recommendation. 

zlone
1,340 posts
 

Schiit came to mind for me as well. I had a Gungnir and still have a Modius, I like their sound. I have not heard Topping products, and noting some of the comments made here, I would do some research before pairing one with four horns.  

deep_333
2,435 posts
 

+ 1 for Bifrost

Give some time for burn-in and try the NOS mode

https://www.schiit.com/products/bifrost

I suggest you consider the Schiit Audio Bifrost 2/64 at $799.. 

larsman's avatar
larsman
3,146 posts
 

I don't know about the Velvet, but Topping and other similar bands have a reputation to have really awesome looking specs (ASR is Audio Science Review, which is all about specs), but sound a bit too detailed and grating on the ear for long listening sessions. I have the same issue with much more expensive Chord gear. 

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