The answer is simple. If the DAC in the new player is better than the DAC in the DAC/Pre amp that you own, it will sound better, and if not, it won’t. The devil is in the details. Remember that if you are using the DAC in the CD/SACD player you must not use a digital connection to the amp, or otherwise you will be using the DAC in the amp
CD/ SACD advice needed
Hi have a McIntosh system with a Mc CD player that has a hard time reading disks. I'm thinking of adding an SACD transport and leveraging the nice DAC DA2 in my Mc integrated amp. Can I buy a less expensive CD player like the Arcam CDS50 and expect excellent sound because of the Mc DAC? Or would upgrading to a new Mac SACD/ CD player just sound alot better. It would be using the same DAC in my integrated amp.
Thanks!
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lasers get weak, based on hours used. some units have complete replacement head assemblies like my used one does. Some get dust on the laser surface, a cleaning solves it. I have used one of these for many years, my and friends units. fixed some, not others, definitely worth a try https://www.amazon.com/Cd-And-Dvd-Lens-Cleaner/dp/B000HI63Z6/ref=asc_df_B000HI63Z6/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167141218295&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15085921044906296673&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9003512&hvtargid=pla-307958041849&psc=1 here's the head replacement unit for mine
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I use a $700-$900 device called a D.BOB that can decode DSD into my external DAC, a Schitt Yggi+ LM. I have a used ratty $200 Oppo BluRay player to send DSD or PCM via HDMI to the D.BOB. Sounds pretty fine to my ears. I used to own one of the very best SACD players ever made. A Sony SCD-1 that was made even better (especially SACD’s) via Vacuum State mods. The D.BOB does some things better and the SCD-1 others. Both are great and I have no interest in a more expensive and newer SACD player.
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MOST sacd/cd players digital output is for CD only. SACD advanced DSD 64 output to external DAC is not possible. Thus, to hear the SACD disc, you use the unit’s internal DAC, which means, transport is one thing, internal DAC and sacd/cd laser reliability is an issue. Some, like my Sony, have dual lasers, one for SACD, one for CD. The more you get into it, the trickier it gets. Next is the issue that many SACD players internal DACs convert the DSD to PCM prior to output, some info here Here’s an article that came up (2021) about a gizmo that takes HDMI audio out, and somehow passes the SACD DSD 64 signal to your DAC Perhaps, since 2021 some other units have appeared that pass SACD DSD 64 out their digital jacks to your DAC Anyone???? |
This is what I posted about above. I paid $700. It is DSD out from the OPPO player into your DAC via the D.BOB. Amazon.com: GeerFab Audio - D.BOB Digital Breakout Box : Electronics I got it from Uptown Audio in Los Angeles. GeerFab Audio D.BOB Digital BreakOut Box – Upscale Audio
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Been thinking about the Geerfab. Most reviews just say that it works. Not much about SQ. I sold an Oppo Modwright 105d and now just have a 103 around for Blu Rays. |
yyzsantabarbara you are ahead of most people. I am soooooo glad I love the sound of my Sony xa-5400's internal DAC and the salad of ingredients Sony included, both CD and SACD. The darn thing cost as much used as it did new 10 years ago. Seller accepted returns, people here endorsed it, gave it a try, glad I did. |
OP did you try a laser cleaning disc? My friend had trouble for YEARS with an Oppo player I gave him, he used for transport, but the laser still has to read the data. His was erratic. YEARS he didn't get one. Finally I bring mine, 30 secs later trouble free. Trouble free for YEARS
definitely worth a try |