Thanks for the input. I realize the C712 is a weak link but I am someone who cannot live without tone controls, in this case the loudness knob. I have been considering a C46 due to the 8 band EQ but I'm not sure how much of an upgrade it would be. The C712 also has some sentimental value because I am the original owner since 1993 and it was my first decent piece of gear.
Is my Cal Audio Sigma II too old?
It seems like I have had my Cal Audio Sigma II DACs for 12 years or more. Is this too old? Have DACs come that much further since it was made? I always liked the warmth of this tube based DAC and currently have a Telefunken smooth plate in it and still enjoy the sound. Regardless of its age, it still sounds less harsh than the DAC built into the Sonos Connect I use for my digital listening. This is connected to a NAS drive with redbook cd flac files. I don’t really have the 2 grand at the moment for a Benchmark 3 or a Mytek Brooklyn but I’m not sure I need or want all that additional functionality. I just use it to decode the digital signal. Would a more modest DAC outshine this older unit?
The rest of the system consists of a McIntosh C712 preamp, McIntosh MC2102 tubed power amp and Magnepan 1.7i speakers.
The rest of the system consists of a McIntosh C712 preamp, McIntosh MC2102 tubed power amp and Magnepan 1.7i speakers.
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mzm6bb Still very good for pcm "redbook cd flac files" if you can’t stretch to the Yaggdrasil. Schiit make very good stuff at great prices, without "glitzing" them up with expensive chassis and charging a fortune for something that doesn’t improve the sound. Remember Mike Moffat owner of Schiit, used to be head designer for Theta Digital when they were on top of digital replay, so he should know his Schiit. Cheers George |
- 14 posts total