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Changing Digital Technology

I have a bit of a dilemma. I could spend $1,700 - $2,700 to upgrade my BAT VK-D5SE CD player or move toward digital technologies to accommodate SACD’s and other forms of evolving digital music. An upgrade would limit me to CD’s only. From reading the Audiogon forums, it appears there is, and will be, a whole lot more out there than CD’s. One of the threads suggested focusing on DAC technology that will accommodate various kinds of streaming digital via USB, coax, etc. If I did not obtain a SACD/CD player with that capability, I assume I would be running my BAT through it? I do have all of my CD’s on my Mac Book Pro as Apple lossless. I do not relish the idea of spending a lot of money on players that might be obsolete in five years.

I am into analog and have BAT tube monoblocks and preamp with a pair of Wilson Sophia’s. I love the tube sound and will be relying on my preamp to accommodate digital technologies.

I would appreciate advice on how to address the new technologies and possible equipment options. I think the future for digital is brigh. How does a person plan for the changes?
bgmyers

Showing 1 response by audioengr

audioengr
3,282 posts
 
CD, SACD and DVD-A are all dying, so the smart move is to use what you have, the Macbook Pro and get a DAC and good USB interface or DAC with a good USB interface built-in. Notice that I didn't say a "good" DAC. The more important thing is the USB interface. This is where is makes most sense to put your money.

Both DAC configurations can be stellar, and even outperform your DC transport. However, you need to be ripping with XLD, not iTunes and to AIFF format, not ALAC. Playback should be a combination of iTunes and Amarra or Pure Music. You will find once you do these things that the SQ is improved dramatically.

There are also some things that you can do to improve the Macbook Pro:

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=105944.0

http://www.empiricalaudio.com/computer-audio/recommended-systems

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
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