This topic seems to preclude significantly lower priced kit. For a while I felt my Audio Alchemy DDP-1 + PS 5 (MSRP $2600), with built in DAC was my weak link. Fortunately, my CDP used as a transport died. I chose a CDP to have as a backup player, just in case, but only ever used it as a transport. My retired on SS budget restricts me from big ticket kit, so I researched hard and came across Audiolab CDT6000 (MSRP ~620-$700) and found one with ~ 100 hours on AG. I am using it with a ~ $800 PC, a Pangea Coax Premier XL and Nobsound springs. I used the IsoTek burn in disc all day then listened to an oldie for me Chet Atkins and Mark Knoffler Neck and Neck. Totally transformed my system. Moral of the story: a transport (or lack thereof) can make or break the overall sound
Do hi-end DACs offer true value or diminishing return...
These two hi-fedelity recordings posted on Youtube allow one to audition the state-of-the-art, highly raved R2R DACs with values ranging from $850 all the way to $6,500. Please use headphone or, play back to your stereo system if you think your system is revealing enough. The question to ask to yourself is that the true hi-end (w/ high price tag) gears offer you true values or just a diminishing-return foolproof. In my system, I do hear the differences but, to me, the differences might not be that significant to justify the luxious spending. Maybe my system is not revealing enough. Maybe the recording quality through the on-line broadcasting degrades. How about you? Do you hear major differences?
Terminator Plus ($6.5k), Venus II ($3k)
Terminator $4.5k, Ares II ($850)
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