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
mdosmar's avatar
mdosmar
11 posts
 

I didn’t, but yesterday i turned on my Cary dac and it sounded better than my Marantz ruby. So was it the CD or me? 

erock79
42 posts
 

I stepped up from using the DAC in a McIntosh C52 to an Allnic D-10000. Granted, the Allnic is pretty high-end, being tube driven, output transformer-less and output capacitor-less. The difference was profound. More of everything: black backgrounds, soundstage, warmth, and an analog-like sound. It’s amazing how a dedicated DAC can change your digital game. 

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
5,408 posts
 

My first DAC was junk. My second DAC was junk junque. My third DAC was a bit better. It wasn’t until I bought a Denafrips Pontus ll that things started improving considerably.

zlone
970 posts
 

I think you will notice the difference, and the Frerot is a good choice. I think you are on the right track in keeping your expectations in check. You are only just starting down the digital rabbit hole, be patient and let your impressions of the gear form over time. 

russwill
38 posts
 

1+ Mahler123 I use spdif as well

More to discover