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At what point is an external D/A converter warranted or beneficial

Over the years and after multiple "upgrades" I've become disillusioned with digital audio reproduction. As my systems improved in quality/resolution, the digital audio quality has equally deteriorated to where most listening is now done in analog. This makes my CD collection of in excess of 1000 titles pretty much useless. My digital D/A conversion knowledge is pretty much limited to whatever is done by the internal D/A converter of the equipment. That being a Lexicon MC12B processor and Oppo BDP103. As my choices of ICs went from basics to high quality resolution improved with a marked decline in digital SQ. I'm at a point where any Redbook CD presents a harsh, edgy, shrilly, bright, name it what you want, upper frequency. Changing ICs back to basic cables attenuates this along with resolution of the music played. You might say I'm at a loss. Do I live with less resolution or the digital limitations. I do not have this issue playing analog media. Would an external D/A converter be beneficial or a waste of money? 
Systems are: B&W 803D2 and surrounds,  Lexicon MC12B, Oppo BDP 103, AQ Columbia ICs XLR & RCA,  AQ Digital ICs,  Tara Labs speaker cables,  Rogue Pharaoh, VPI Prime . Analog front end shares the L/R front speaker and input from the Oppo. 
Is there such a thing as an external D/A converter for a H/T setup as the Lexicon processor is the oldest piece in the chain with most likely the weakest D/A converter. But how would that connect to avoid the internal processing.
Any suggestions or recommendations?

128x128gillatgh

Showing 10 responses by gillatgh

gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh OP
381 posts
 
I really want to thank all who are contributing. It's all valuable. 
I tried the vcr tape idea suggested by millercarbon. Did it work? Actually yes it did and it cleaned up the highs nicely, not completely,  but nicely. But brother I'm here to tell you it's cumbersome.  Unless you want to listen to the entire tape finding a track is not fun or easy, rewinding is noisy and time consuming. It works but there has to be a better way.
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh OP
381 posts
 
Thanks for all the suggestions and replies. Everything is useful.
Millercarbon- interesting suggestions I like them. Fwiw sold my R2R, Pioneer RT909 a couple years ago but still have 2 Hifi VCRS in the storage closet a brand new never used Sony and a Hitachi DVD/vhs recorder also barely used and lots of blank tapes. This sounds feasible to try. Thanks. PS I think that alone qualifies me as audiophile LOL.
To explain, my systems are totally seperate but share the Oppo as a source. Digital connection to the H/T (Lexicon) and analog connection to the Rogue.
I’m very satisfied with the AQ cabling for their resolution qualities. Could the Oppo D/A converter be the issue as it’s really the only common denominator between the 2 preamps/processors?
All suggestions will be taken into account less geo’s. I like his comments but don’t take him seriously.
As far as power and conditioning go, dedicated circuit straight from breaker box with 20 amp breakers 2ea circuits, upgrade outlets and Richard Grays power Co 4oos one on each circuit. Also the listening area has been acoustically treated.
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh OP
381 posts
 
@adg101 That's the Sony unit I have in storage. Supposedly top of line back in the day. I agree finding a track was cumbersome.  Not much of a problem for me as I don't jump around much. I would/will hate the rewind though.
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh OP
381 posts
 
@geoffkait , love your comments. I feel privileged to be on the receiving end of one. I do agree with you some of the time. Like this time maybe, but no, they are doing as designed. Not the best I'm sure but better than nothing.
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh OP
381 posts
 
@noble100, 
Yes H/T setup is full blown, front, center, surrounds, sub 5.1 setup. Processor and 5 Ch 250 W amp, D class. (The Krell died).
I'm open for all suggestions.
Ps. The only issue I have is the high frequency harshness, brightness whatever you want to call it when the digital source (Oppo) is in use. 
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh OP
381 posts
 
@noble,
A very interesting suggestion. Also easily do-able as explained. Not really sure what it would do with sub integration but that's not the point here anyway.
I'll try this over the weekend as time permits.
Thank you for the suggestion. 
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh OP
381 posts
 
@noble100,
That would be awesome. Much appreciated 
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh OP
381 posts
 
A point I forgot to mention, playing back a DVD thru the Oppo (concert, both BR and standard) exhibit none of the hf issues encountered when playing Redbook CDs. My issue seems to be limited to CD playback. Playing DTS cds also do not exhibit any hf issues.
Very strange!
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh OP
381 posts
 
@noble100, some things I've tried so far trying to isolate the issue. 
1. At Oppo 103 Swapped digital IC from optical AQ to coaxial AQ Haweye which resulted in an increase of high frequency brightness using HT Lexicon. No change noticed using the Rogue.
Note: connection to Rogue is via analog out of Oppo where the Oppo internal DAC is doing the conversion. There is some hf brightness but not as pronounced. I think the Rogues tube section is attenuating the hf signal.
Also noted that this hf anomaly is isolated to digital only not an issue during analog playback. Also streaming from Spotify or Pandora directly from Smart TV seems to be no issue. However when using the Pandora app in the Oppo the brightness returns. I have yet to get to trying your suggestion as that will take more effort and time. 
Ps. The Lexicon processor has never exhibited this phenomenon prior to the Oppo introduction. 
gillatgh's avatar
gillatgh OP
381 posts
 
@ noble100 and all that contributed,

Tim, in two words, YOU ROCK!!! 
Reconfigured my system as you recommended, also read the Oppo manual, with a slight change. Instead of using the Oppo as the preamp I kept the Lexicon in the loop. Configured as follows, removed the digital connection completely and connected the Oppo to Lexicon via analog out to 5.1 analog in connection on Lexicon and set Lexicon setting input to analog bypass so the Lexicon DAC is bypassed and processing is done by the Oppo. Only loss to this configuration is inability to convert 2Ch into Lexicon proprietary surround modes. Quite ok with that as I do have the ability to just change a setting if I want to use them.
Now for the result.........WOW no more harshness, brightness etc at high frequencies, open airy superb. Much more defined and clear. Extra bonus my SACD and DVD A disks now also play. I'm thrilled and really a happy listener.
Redbook CD'S are sounding great like never before. I may have to change my mind about digital. Analog still has what I'll just call some ambience that digital is missing but in the big picture the convenience of digital is a worthy contender.

Thanks to all who took time to make suggestions. All of you are superb music affectionados but Tim, noble100, absolutely had the best and most cost-effective solution. Great ideas and info.
My problem is solved. Again thanks to all.
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