Thanks for the quick response lowrider. Yes, I figured that given HDMI was designed to transfer audio and video that all cables within were not needed. This would require that the same pins in transport and DAC be used for the digital data. I wonder how standard is this? I agree that there are likely benefits from separating power from audio data, as with USB, however there must be benefits to the removal of SPDIF/I2S conversion at the DAC. Not sure how that works from the transport. As I understand it, I2S is the way a digital signal is handled within the DAC process,
I am one who tries to gain knowledge regarding the 'objective' aspects of putting together an audio system understanding full well that one must ultimately make and adhere to 'subjective' decisions toward that goal. Given that, I am motivated by the thinking that use of a NOS R2R DAC with CD playback might prove best and wanting a tube output stage in the DAC. Just wondering how much 'icing on the cake' is provided by I2S. |
Dan, I am sure your Arcam/DAC combination sounds great. As does my Arcam/DAC. I am just looking to maximize what I am getting from my CD collection. Also thinking now is the time to replace the BDA-1 while it will still provide me ~$700 on the used market, as I believe it remains a very good DAC. It just might be that I reconsider the I2S connection.
Auxinput, I was concerned about there not being a standard for the HDMI I2S connection. I will consult with vendors regarding pin use. Given that the I2S input and other upgrades can be installed at a later date by Mirror Audio I am considering the purchase of the basic unit 1st and make decisions on upgrades after getting accustomed to the new DAC. It may be possible that Mirror Audio can configure the pin output to compliment a transport of choice. I will get to an understanding of this prior to making a purchase. Thanks!
George, Thanks for your support for my 'subjective' approach. Also the Holo Spring DACs are of interest to me as I have read reviews. Thinking the Tubador may better fit my budget. I am pretty sold on the R2R Multibit approach. Also looking to add tubes to the output stage which will drive my tube preamp.
Geoffkait, I will do my best to isolate the transport with consideration of routing internally generated vibrations and shielding from external ones. |
Jazzman, yes the transport matters. I probably should go that route 1st. Always a debate. I am going to take my time with this.
Given the quality of the BDA-1, I could purchase a transport 1st.
Then swap out the DAC later.
Given I have the DV137 I could purchase the DAC 1st and purchase transport later.
Seems your experience would suggest the transport should be 1st.
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Jazzman, I very much appreciate your encouragement to not underestimate the role of transport. It is most likely that my DVD player used as transport is the weakest link for Cd playback, not the BDA-1. Thus, I am thinking towards the purchase of a CD only transport prior to purchasing a new DAC.
The question then becomes 'which one'? |
Jtcf, thanks for your thoughts on the CXC and the Tubadour. Wether I purchase a transport 1st or not I am truly interested in the Tubadour DAC. As of now it seems to be what I am looking for. I do have to admit that I would be purchasing it 'space unheard'.
Unsound, I do consider my Arcam player to be very good. Just can't help thinking that a dedicated CD transport wouldn't be the best approach. I am amazed at what I get from the Arcam via DVD playback from my 2 channel system.
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Rodge, Thanks for the heads-up on the Sparkler. They have two options for player/transport, the 503 and the 507. I will keep Sparkler on my radar. Interested in the transport version. I remain inyerested in the Tubadour for it tube output stage. |
Hope to hear additional thoughts from those experienced with/ interested in, my quest. Leaving for a backcountry excursion with my son. Will get back to all after the 16th. Thanks! |
Pengun What is a good DVD/CD burner to purchase? My explorations seem to indicate that many do not hold up well. |
As an update, I have decided to purchase the basic version of the Mirror Audio DAC w/o the I2S output. Should i purchase a digital input using I2S I will have that added, likely with other mods to it.
I remain looking for a transport.
I intensionally directed my query toward CD playback via transport to maintain focus and because I often like simply select a disc and play it the old fashion way. I stream music using computer. I rip my CDs to computer and playback via PureMusic as AIFF files into a Audiophilleo/PurePower USB/SPDIF converter to my BDA-1 DAC. When the time comes that I identify a file playback system that I find affordable and accommodating to my thought processing I will incorporate one into my system. In the meantime ...
Thanks to all who have helped, and remain seeking additional advise, Mike |
In-shore, I very much appreciate your input. I am no longer waisting my time looking for a transport as I have purchased a Cambridge CXC transport knowing there are better ones however not at the price that I paid.
I have researched the server market and will likely purchase one in the future. Looking for one that retails at $2000, is user friendly, can rip CDs, and accept AIFF or WAV files from a hard drive. Which server did you listen to?
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I should ad that any server I am interested in would not need to have an internal DAC. I am about to purchase a Mirror Audio Tubadour DAC. |
Yes, I will continue to explore the streamer market. I do rip CDs to a Mac Mini as a dedicated streamer playing AIFF files via Pure Music and appreciate the convenience this approach provides. I also can't help to believe that a true streamer having a better power supply and digital output device wouldn't be an improvement. I am familiar with Cocktail Audio and have briefly looked into their products. Never owned one. I am not in a hurry regarding purchase of a streamer as I am considering other approaches towards betterment of my main system. The CXC will likely one day end up in my secondary 'hand-me-down' system. |
