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DAC suggestion for PC

Need some help deciding on which DAC to use with a few changes I will be making for my PC audio setup. Currently I am using a iFi Audio Zen DAC v2 connected by USB (and a Fosi Audio Tube amp). Right now I am using some PSB Image bookshelves (but I'll be changing these as well) and a Velodyne Subwoofer. 

The change I will be making, is I'm looking at changing my amp to a used Cambridge Audio CXA61 which has its own DAC. The Cambridge has the ESS Sabre ES9010 DAC model. If this isn't a better DAC, then I'll look at the Cambridge Audio AXR85 instead which doesnt come with a DAC instead and keep the zen dac.

My questions are the following:

1. Is the CXA61 dac better than the Zen DAC v2? It would be nice to eliminate an extra piece of equipment.

2. Might be a bit out of my budget, but how much of an upgrade would the CXA81 with the ESS Sabre ES9016 DAC be? Is it worth paying the extra?

From what I understand, the model of the DAC alone doesnt tell the whole story, but how the unit is built and setup around it that also matters. Hence why I am looking for some feedback as Ive never compared or auditioned them with an A/B comparison. Thanks

skads_187

Showing 3 responses by milpai

milpai's avatar
milpai
2,443 posts
 

@skads_187 ,

If you have a purpose built PC meant only for streaming, then it should be fine. I am using a PC that is passive cooled and it is couple of huge steps over the dedicated laptop I was using earlier. Please see my system page for the build I did.

I agree that Fidelizer will make a very noticeable difference. What is your playback software? You mentioned Tidal. But unfortunately they do not have a control software, to control the playback on the PC. You can use Remote Desktop to control playback of Tidal directly from the PC though, if this PC is on the audio stand away from where you sit.

milpai's avatar
milpai
2,443 posts
 

@jheppe815 

Thank You! I am very happy with the build and the the music that it makes.

milpai's avatar
milpai
2,443 posts
 

Got it @skads_187 . I am not sure if Roon lets you control Tidal's app on the Desktop PC. I understand that most people use Roon to stream Tidal/Qobuz directly to the DAC/Streamer. But since you access the PC directly, I don't think you need any "control/connect" software. You can control the app directly on the PC.

Since I sit away from the server and want to control Foobar2000, I use MonkeyMote on a tablet and control the Foobar playback. The audio server is directly connected to the DAC using USB. So I have o need for Roon.

Try the free Fidelizer and see if you benefit from it.

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