2. digital
  3. 1412106115

Best way to output hi res files to DAC?

I'm looking for a media player I can upload hi res files to that will output digitally (digital coax ideally) to my Wadia amp.

The Wadia Intution has it's own up converting DAC so all it needs to receive is the raw digital output. Could be a hand held unit, whatever. The units I've seen including the Sony, Fiio etc only have analog out which doesn't help.

Since SQ isn't critical given the raw digital output, what would be the best most cost effective way to go? Or at least some options?
larrybou

Showing 3 responses by jon2020

jon2020's avatar
jon2020
994 posts
 
Larrybou,
I found what both of us are looking for in the reasonably priced Marantz NA 8005. You can read about my personal experience with this wonderful product in the Review section.
Enjoy!
jon2020's avatar
jon2020
994 posts
 
Larrybou,

The Marantz does have a coaxial digital output for connection to the digital input of your Wadia amp, bypassing its own internal dac. So the Marantz can output to any external dac of choice.

The Marantz also has analog outputs direct to your amp. You can compare the sound quality of the digital output(using the Wadia's dac) to the analog outputs(using the Marantz's internal dac). As reported in another thread, I have found that for hi-rez files, the latter is better in my set-up. Your personal experience with the Wadia amp may differ.

Happy listening.
jon2020's avatar
jon2020
994 posts
 
Larrybou,
I ma curious as to why the Wadia would upsample analog input signals too. It is always better to input digital signals for d-a coversion without another a-d coversion step. Maybe I am missing something here.
I have also tried dsd and double dsd files and they sound great. The Marantz does not have an internal hard drive, so you need to get your own external drives.
Hope this helps.
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