2. digital
  3. 1422309165

AMR DP-777, what am I missing ?

There are a lot of people here who love this DAC, I purchased one (used) based on the many glowing reviews, but feel like this DAC falls short.
To be sure it bested (by not a lot) my Wavelength Cosecant (better imaging and bass) but I still prefer my modest analog setup (Rega RP6, Shelter 500).

I am sure my digital front-end is not super tuned: IMac, audirvana, no-name USB cable to DAC. But before I spend more money I would love some advice from the good folks in this forum on how I can make this $5000 retail DAC at least come close to my modest analog setup that cost much less retail without spending too much coin.

Do I need to invest in a music server, or maybe a USB to SPDIF, or better USB cable or all of the above.

Rest of my system.
Coincident Line stage
Coincident Dragon mk2 monoblocks
Verity Parsifal Encore speakers.

Thanks.
essrand

Showing 2 responses by truman

truman
168 posts
 
I have 3 DP-777's I like them so much. Upgraded one to the SE version and found it worthwhile enough to upgrade the other two! (Better bass and more aire.) A friend with a high-end ($30k) turntable e/ Anna cartridge upgraded to SE and loves it, finds it very close to his analog rig. Just as good as my Metrum Hex but the AMR has the aforementioned preamp ability, phase, dedicated high rez dac. Mini Mac/Pro helps, ifi USB 3.0 helps, and switching out the one center chassis tube, 6922, for an nice NOS Amperex made a big improvement (switching the two 5670 tubes, one on either side of the chassis, made little difference). I do understand there is another DSD upgrade coming which I probably won't do, feeling it is "good 'nuf" right now.


truman
168 posts
 
Essrand, in response to your question, the SE version does indeed also have 2 dacs. I will add that there is an optimizing feature (for both SE and Non-SE versions) which chooses the better dac for the sampling rate, the better jitter management & the best filter choice - very nice. 
The 6922 type tube* change made a bigger difference vs ifi USB 3.0 to me, but be sure to unplug unit well before, not just place in standby mode, and inquire from distributor as to how best to access.

*See: Joe's Tube Lore
for counsel about best 6922 tube choices.





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