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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?
ufguy73

Showing 11 responses by tomic601

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tomic601
13,164 posts
 
Why does my cell phone work in a windowless room ????
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tomic601
13,164 posts
 

I just knew that box of PIM flanges I bought for -210 dbc performance would come in handy....
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tomic601
13,164 posts
 
I think any far ranging roundup would also consider NAIM
serious level of engineering there as well and of course a bit of a fetish for robust power supplies 
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tomic601
13,164 posts
 
My reference to a Faraday cage was internal to a DAC.. in particular to isolate the FPGA and display/control microprocessors FROM the A part of a DAC....

have a look at the guts of Jim Whites IMO excellent Pandora 
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,164 posts
 
Try a USB cable with DBS and RF shields also.... Audioquest 

and a Jitterbug 

and as always, your actual mileage may vary greatly! 
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,164 posts
 
Consider a DAC with the ugly bits in a Faraday cage... to wit Aesthetix 

the Brinkmann as another poster noted above is also superb

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tomic601
13,164 posts
 
Even at the top echelon ( which is ever moving ) a well sorted network and electrical power system in home is essential. ... many things can be done at low/no cost. Which leg of your panel is the audio system on ? What leg are the “ hash and trash “ generation bits on ?

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tomic601
13,164 posts
 
@thyname I agree !
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tomic601
13,164 posts
 
An activity I strongly recommend, especially for those who already know it all, is an aural workout session at 2L Recordings ( The Nordic Sound ) downloads bench - many formats with same microphones and placement..,,,

tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,164 posts
 
Unless your reference is unamplified acoustic event, there is no universal truth. The first poor performance in the chain is microphone choice and then placement...
your Mac stuff is fine, you don’t need to throw the baby out with the bath water. Go listen to and better yet borrow a variety of DAC’s and or streamers.

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tomic601
13,164 posts
 
I have a NAIM server on HRS isolation and damping with a Pardo LPSU into an Aesthetix Pandora Signature - very musical, organic. Nice to see a civil helpful thread :-)

don’t underestimate isolation for vibration, signal and power!
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