"2k DAC that gives me what I want like my vintage LP12"
not sure if it’s possible! analog sound gives me a feel of jazz/blues/rock band performing up front of me, while nice dac and digital media track gives clean, sterile (lifeless) sound..
2k DAC that gives me what I want like my vintage LP12
I have zero experience in rotating DACs through my system. My Analog chain gives me exactly what I want as a listener. It is based on a vintage LP12 with a few upgrades to power supply, tonearm, cartridge, phono stage, and setup. Detailed, warm, deep silent background, and effortless delivery.
I have an Eversolo A6 and an S.M.S.L CD transport. I decided to purchase a Toppings D70 Pro Octo to feed my streamer and transport into. I was not really disappointed, but certainly not what I was looking for. I want the same or similar level of satisfaction that I feel when I listen to my Analog chain. I also want to stay at or under $2k.. I realize that the dollars in my turntable, arm, cartridge, and phono stage is more than twice that amount, but I was able to assemble it over time.
I want to start with the DAC. I can change Streamer, Server, CD Transport over time if need be. I assume that a good DAC should be able to clock other digital inputs to mitigate many of their shortcomings.
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The reason I started the discussion is because I respect the opinions of those that have already gone down this road. The mid tier gear that I have shows me how far I am from my goals. With the insight of others, I hope to stay out of an endless rabbit hole. It appears that there are some great DACs than can get me into zone for around the $2k range. I stream High Res today but there is no magic to be found. I do use USB today as well. Form the reviews I have read, something along the lines of the Pontus 12 or 15 might fit in. |
Yes, with async USB, it doesn’t carry the audio clock timing information — the DAC serves as the clock master and reclocks the data stream. However, the source can still influence sound indirectly mainly due to:
I use an I²S connection, but I have also done comparisons with USB. The distinctive sound traits of my streamers — everSolo T8 (brighter) and Volumio Rivo+ (on the warm side of neutral) — are still carried over to the DAC via USB. Another experiment I conducted is also interesting: my Laiv Micro DAC allows one to choose the source of timing, either locally from the DAC or via I²S. The Micro DAC is inherently warmer than the T8, yet the T8’s brightness carries through regardless of the timing source. Lastly, the iFi Zen Stream was my first streamer and is known for its solid galvanic isolation on USB. With all other factors controlled, the T8 sounds significantly brighter than the iFi Zen Stream via USB. |
Yes the streamer matters its not just about clocking a dac can’t correct for a corrupted signal the better the data stream the better the soundcwill be we have sold most brands of streamers including innous,aurender, 432 evo sotm baetis and a few others and they all affected the sound quality coming out of the dac. Dave and Troy Audio Intellect Nj |
- 41 posts total