LOL!!! of course! for every single piece of high end audio gear, there is a much, much, did I say much, much cheaper version that sounds just as good for a fraction of the cost. LOL!!
Higher End DACs
I am looking for a DAC (potentially streamer&DAC) to be paired in a mcintosh system (c1100/611). Its my first foray into digital streaming and I have no need for a CD player.
I see a lot of love for Esoteric, however, most seems to be around their transports? Are they not as renowned for pure digital streaming and/or standalone DACs? I see DCS (for instance) often referenced for standalone DACs - how does Esoteric compare?
I see a lot of love for Esoteric, however, most seems to be around their transports? Are they not as renowned for pure digital streaming and/or standalone DACs? I see DCS (for instance) often referenced for standalone DACs - how does Esoteric compare?
Showing 12 responses by thyname
AtDavid (aka headaudio123 now, and a bunch of other aliases earlier): thank God we have you, your Majesty And of course, nobody can pleasure you #measurementmorons. You ask for measurements, then when they are given to you, you spit things from your venomous mouth like it’s beyond humans hearing thresholds, test were not done right, controlled listening test with a certified panel of experts, blah, blah, blah |
Hi @david_ten You listed a few SOTA servers in there, which are all top of the line best there is! IMO, part of the digital chain is server, then streamer, right before DAC. Obviously, if the DAC has a built in network bridge (LAN), that IS your streamer, so you only have to worry about the server. Further, and of course IMHO, you should try a top class server/ streamer combo, feeding your SDV 3100 via its USB input. And with the new Innuos PhoenixUSB reclocker (albeit more than a reclocker), there has never been a better time. After I had the PhoenixUSB in my chain for a few days, downstream of my ZENith MK3, I sold them both! Now you may wonder why.... The PhoenixUSB was so good, and so effective, that I went ahead and got myself an Innuos Statement! One more observation from my own experience at my system: adding a PhoenixUSB to my. ZENith MK3, made a substantially more positive impact relative to replacing the ZENith MK3 / PhoenixUSB combo with the Statement. However, I do NOT regret doing this. An improvement, small or big, is still an improvement pS. Just updated my virtual system in here |
What?! Are you talking about T+A SDV 3100 HV? It has Ethernet input. It's called "streaming DAC" --- it's right there in the name of the product |
From my experience, USAM is worthless for high priced gear. Only cheaper stuff, say $2K or less. Mostly attracts lower budget folks. The big advantage is that it’s free to the seller. IMO, Audiogon is the best place to sell high end gear. Hands down. As an alternative, and if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of a private sale, check with the Music Room. You will likely get less than from a private sale, but the process is seamless. @kren0006 : T+A amps are great. I own the PA 3100 HV integrated amp. If I could afford it though, I would buy the SD 3100 HV in a heartbeat |
Hi @ufguy73 (OP): if you are serious on MSB, email Vince Galbo (Vince @ MSBtechnology.com). They have a traveling Demo fleet that you can try at home with no dealer involvement. If you are happy though, you have to purchase through dealers I have a very strong suspicion you will be very happy even with the Discrete. PM me if you want to discuss further. I have owned over 15 DACs over the past few years |