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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
oldelectricalinspector
27 posts
 

I’ve been listening to a Meridian 218 for a while.  Visited my local dealer just to say hi. Listen to the Tambaqui for a few casual hours.  I bought it. My mind has been blown 

bassbuyer
531 posts
 

For me yes.  My first stand alone DAC was an Eversolo A6.  It sounded like a veil had been lifted listening to my favorite test songs.  I tried about 10 more with mixed results.  Ended up with the Holo Audio Cyan 2 which sounded the best to me within my 2-3K budget.  

johnnybwood
61 posts
 

Can’t go wrong with an outboard dac! I had reservations about it too because I wasn’t spending much (Cambridge dac magic 200 m) but boy was I shocked at what I was missing! With what you’re getting, you shouldn’t have any regrets. ETM!

cheers!

bgross's avatar
bgross
465 posts
 

My 1st stand alone DAC was a Rega DACr & was eye-opening for sure. Filters were a negligible gimmick but still, was a fine piece & played great. Next was a Line Magnetic LM-502ca @smoorenc (still have it) and that was/is a fabulous DAC especially having Brimar 12au7s swapped in. These days I mostly use a Canor DAC 2.10 that uses 6922 tubes (now stuffed with Siemans E88cc) and its about as god my system is ever gonna sound. I'm at the tweak stage as all other components are dialed in. So, yes, my 1st DAC made a noticeable difference and as I've gone slowly up the ladder, each new DAC has been an equally impactful upgrade. Just my experience

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/

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