Suggestion needed for DAC to be used with CD transport(either dedicated or dvd player as transport) around $1k range for 2nd system, not planning to use with PC.
And my current and previous source listed to understand my preference
Currently using Roksan kandy K3, like the sound, has plenty of air between instruments, extended treble and taut bass, vocals are good.
Previously used Audiolab 8200CD, had denser sound, lacking in instruments separation.
Heard Marantz cd-8005 during audition, it’s kind of thick voice.
If playing Redbook cd 16/44 or 24/96 is your priority, the only one you mention that will do it justice is the Audio gd NOS DAC-19 (Burr-Brown PCM1704UK) as it uses 2r2 Multibit d/a converters all the others you mention are Delta Sigma, not as good for doing pcm Redbook. If DSD is your bag then you need a DAC that has Delta Sigma type converters
If you go for it make sure it’s the Audio GD NOS DAC-19 and not the Audio-GD NFB-2 DAC-19 series as this one is also Delta Sigma.
"Currently using Roksan kandy K3, like the sound, has plenty of air between instruments, extended treble and taut bass, vocals are good.
Previously used Audiolab 8200CD, had denser sound, lacking in instruments separation. Heard Marantz cd-8005 during audition, it’s kind of thick voice."
For the most part, the dacs analog section is responsible for the qualities you list. If you like the sound of the K3 and want to take it further, look at a Wadia di122 or an Ayre Codex. Both are a little over your budget, so you may have to go used. If that's not an option, save up until you have enough. You won't be sorry. Those dac's are well worth the extra money.
Yay....my question exactly too. I am leaning towards the Teac UD501 or UD503 (new or used) or the Gustard a20h. Seeking dense, smooth, romantic and analogue sounding there.
A DAC's performance relies greatly on the quality of the digital stream from the transport (in terms of jitter), then how well that signal is reclocked and filtered. So I believe in auditioning DACs whenever possible.
For the most part, the dacs analog section is responsible for the qualities you list.
I agree.
The Line Magnetic LM-502CA is a very highly regarded DAC, but lists for $1800 new. Closer to your budget is a Schiit Multibit or the PS Audio DSD Nuwave. The Nuwave takes the native signal from your transport and has a passive analogue output. I'm auditioning one right now; very nice ($1299).
The Schiit Multibit is s excellent choice I upgraded from the original SCHIIT Gungnir , then payed thd $500 upgrade Fantastic, snd being Modular Which most are Notmeaning everything they find a major improvement you can send it in for the upgrade at minimal charge. very detailed and musical not bright At all. I found the Audioquest Diamond a superb USB cable.
I heard Teac UD503, seems to be soft, laid back sound, still have good detail. On forums
SCHIIT Gungnir
has good review, will try to audition. Even LM-502CA has good response, and also Ayre codex.
Multiple factors determine the ultimate sound quality of a DAC . I agree with the comments about the analog output section as probably the most crucial. Implementation of this stage cannot be overstated. A close 2nd consideration IMO is the presence of a very good quality power supply. These 2 areas I believe matter more overall than delta sigma vs R2R architecture based on my listening to a variety of DACs. Either architecture is capable of excellent sound quality. Charles
Since I am located in Thailand, the Schiit Multibit, PS Audio DSD Nuwave, Wadia di122 , Ayre Codex ranges around 2k and in local used market above mentioned products have very rare appearance
It will helpful if any of forums members can share the thoughts on
Audio gd NOS DAC-19 &/or
Line Magnetic LM-502CA. I can avail those products within USD1200
You may want to look at Chord DACs. You can find them on the used market for under $1K. Now there is a person (Ross Martin) who builds DACs out of his house...a couple people i know really like the sound from his DACs. His website is rossmartinaudio.com. He uses the Burr Brown PCM 1794. Price under $800.00
If you are looking for cables....look at Clear Day Cables or Cullen Cables...well made nice prices.
Sorry for interupting but the original poster may also find this usefull. What is the current state of things, is multibit DAC and usage of PCM music more desirable or DSD with DSD music?
Most later model CD players have optical or coax digital output, some both. Most DACs have both optical and coax inputs. Generally coax is preferred. Given that you won't require a USB input you are open for the opportunity to purchase an older used DAC . There are many that show up used as owners are switching to computer audio and require USB. Many of these older DACs were originally very expensive due to having an excellent power supply and analog output stage. They are selling for a fraction of the original price. I own two older DACs, a Bryston BDA-1 and a MDHT Parasideo. Just a thought not knowing what the used market is in Thailand.
I have had a PS Audio DirectStream DAC since it was a relatively new model. I snagged one of their PerfectWave CD transports on Audiogon, along with an I2S cable, to use that output/input setup, sounds great!
The DirectStream DAC uses an FPGA, so every so often PS Audio provides firmware updates which improve the performance.
Very happy with this combination.
If you have SACDs, PS Audio has recently added a DirectStream Memory Player to their lineup of transports.
If Redbook CDs are all you care about, the Cambridge Audio CXC is a good transport. Solid and quiet. I used it for a while then switched over to an Oppo to get support for dvds and SACD. Oppo could be a good option as well. As a standalone transport, I thought that the CXC was better and faster. Oppo is very slow in my opinion, but once it gets going it's fine.
I own the Cambridge Audio CXC ,it’s remarkable reliable transport and not expensive with very high value for money, can play also hybrid CDs and severely scratch CDs which the Cyrus can’t do both ,although the Cyrus sounds bit better than the CA I heard has some reliability issues so I preferred to buy the CA CXC.
Deciding to drop the idea of DAC + CD transport, it is difficult to have in reasonable price a good transport and matching\synergy DAC, however integrated for same price sounds better than 2 boxes..
Hello. Looking at the Teac UD503. Some comments online that it's laidback and warmish with decent detail. I am seeking a tubey, romantic and organic sounding DAC in the similar price range...up to $1.5k. Would the Teac qualify? Any recommendations? Anyone compared the UD501 and the 503?
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