2. digital
  3. 1360787859

How important is the transport when using a DAC?

Hello,

I've been thinking lately, if my transport is extreme low-end, is having a nice DAC a waste of time? In other words, if I am using a $60 Sony DVD/CD player to deliver the digital signal through a coax cable to my Arcam r-Dac, is that not doing it justice? Do you recommend I upgrade my transport to better meet the quality of the DAC or does it not matter?

Thanks!
learyscott

Showing 2 responses by bigkidz

bigkidz
3,439 posts
 
No necessarily. You need to experiment for the sound you prefer. I build my own DAC and each transport can add or subtract from the sound in different areas. For example, I switched back to a CEC which is better all around and in direct comparison to the Rega Saturn or Museatex transport it is less forward sounding but overall more musical which is what I prefer and matches the dac better. I have used some cheap transport and they can sound good also.
bigkidz
3,439 posts
 
It can be dramatic but you need to try, try, try.

Happy Listening.
More to discover