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Comparing external DAC to CD player DAC

I have been using a well-known, inexpensive ($300), and well regarded DAC with an old MAC as a music server.  I also stream TIDAL masters and use the CD transport through the server, all going through the external DAC.   I recently pulled out my old CD player, a Marantz CD-67se: an "oldie but a goodie".  The CD player with its onboard, 20+year old DAC is far superior to what I am experiencing with the external DAC, from any source..  Is this expected.  I am not opposed to purchasing a new external DAC, but i really don't want to spend thousands of dollars to reproduce sound I can get from a 20 year old CD player.  What am i missing? Could I be I doing something wrong, or could my external DAC be malfunctioning.

djbarabino

Showing 1 response by fuzztone

fuzztone's avatar
fuzztone
5,640 posts
 

It only shows to compare everything. And confirms that computer sourced SQ is usually poor.

At least you didn’t specify the external DAC. Probably not it’s fault.

This also confirms that CDs often sound better than files.

All else is inconclusive.

The title of your post is WRONG.

Not comparing. Try the SPDIF out of the CD for a more valid comparison. You still have to factor in possible inter cable losses.

 

 

 

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