2. digital
  3. 195470-196983

Do you recall "instant improvement" from your first stand-alone DAC ?

After weeks of research I recently ordered my first external DAC.  My system is modest by most accounts... Van Alstine SET400 amp, T-10 tube pre-amp, Salk HT2-TL speakers, WiiM Ultra streamer/DAC.  It sounds very good to me... resolving, clear, excellent bass, mids, highs. Then I started reading and asking about streamers and DACs and it seems my system could sound better. So I did a lot of reading and ultimately ordered a used Merason Frerot with factory wal wort power supply.  Now the anxiety of second-guessing my choice and what it will sound like in my system.  Cuz there are no stores near me to demo DACS.  Eventually I will likely upgrade the streamer.

 

What did you notice the most about your first stand-alone DAC... more clarity, richness, scary good vocals, extended highs, more airy highs, more and better bass ?  Better soundstage and imaging ? All the above ? 

foamcutter

Showing 1 response by jmrrobbie1

jmrrobbie1
32 posts
 

Over the last 10 yrs have slowly been putting together my 2-channel system...several mistakes along the way.  My TT & analog side I worked on first (over 6 years)...now complete...no future changes. The digital path I struggled with...started with a Bluesound node into my integrated amp with a internal DAC card (McIntosh 2 card)...worked well for 5 yrs until I saved enough to take the plunge to upgrade/finish my digital system. Went with a Aurender N20 streamer into a Berkley Audio DAC & really good interconnects (these made a noticeable difference too). Yes, the first play was a night & day difference from my previous path. Done! Very interesting to do an A/B/C/D/E comparison between a direct stream (I use Tidal) vs Tidal Max vs Aurender hard-drive vs CD vs vs SACD vs TT analog using the same song selection…I still feel nothing compares to a live show in a small venue with good acoustics!
 That being said...if I when the lottery will go this route for my digital side...
https://landing.wadax.eu/studio-player/

  • Reference technology:

    It incorporates technology from the more expensive Atlantis Reference series, aiming for high-end audio quality. 

  • Accessibility:

    It offers a more affordable way to experience WADAX's sound compared to their higher-end, multi-component systems. 

  • The Studio Player combines a CD/SACD player, streamer, DAC, and preamp into a single unit. 

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