THolt,
Maybe, but I do not know a good high current integrated for the Gallos that could do as well as the A3CR + pre-amp combo for that price? |
I did not catch which external DAC you are now using and comparing?
Assuming jitter is not the problem (since you say you have two sources that sound similar, this may not be a bad assumption, but an assumption nonetheless)just using any external DAC does not guarantee better results. That DAC may be better, worse or just different sounding than the built in one. Cost alon eis not an indicator. It depends on exactly which two DACs are being compared.
I would expect, in general, less differences could be heard between most SS DACS than if comparing a SS DAC to a tube DAC, like the mhdt's. A tube DAC will surely make a bigger difference.
Frankly, as lower cost DACs go, the only ones that I would consider for possibly making a clear big difference is the Benchmark for SS, due to its reputed jitter immunity and highly detailed presenation or one of the better known tube DACs.
IS the Mac amp really a likely culprit at this point?
It would help to know what DAC we are talking about for $2000. PRice alone does not guarantee a difference when it comes to digital processors.
I changed to the paradisea tube DAC from my Denon's internal DAC using a lowly Carver pre-amp at first and heard a clear and huge difference despite the fact that that pre-amp was still not letting everything shine through. i even heard a big difference just using different tubes in the Paradisea.
Then, when I finally changed to the ARC pre-amp everything finally seemed to come shining through! |
Tholt,
I am a big fan of the philosophy "if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
But, if you are listening, and think it is "broke", then for all practical purposes it is and something needs to change. The hard part is figuring out what it is that needs to change.
I would agree that if one starts by carefully selecting speakers you like that fit into the target room, then you are in good shape moving forward to get it fixed without incurring unneeded expense.
If the $2000 solution doesn't work though, then think twice before trying the $5000 solution next. You better be sure.
Or, buy used and don't overpay or buy only equipment with an in-home trial policy wit money back guarantee. Then if you are wrong you can try something else without a financial hit by reselling and moving on.
Focusing on overall system synergy will get most where they want to be a lot faster and cheaper in most cases than just throwing money at the problem. |
Assuming the Mc integrated driving the Gallos is the issue, here's one cost effective solution that could work for significant improvement at perhaps even lower cost.
Sell:
DAC - $2000
Mc Integrated- $1000
Buy (used):
Juicy Music Peach Tube Pre-amp - $800
Musical fidelity A3CR amp - $600
mhdt Paradisea tube DAC (more analog sounding/reduced/low jitter)- $500 or
Benchmark SS DAC (high detail/low jitter SS) - $900
This leaves as much as $1100 dollars to play with from there if needed (probably not).
Or you can try to tweak source and amp further one step at a time and perhaps still get where you want eventually.
Cheers! |
Tok20000,
Technically, a music server is not the same as a transport, but I hear what you're saying. I've also found that a feed from a music server can sound very very good.
In my case I use a Toshiba Vista laptop with Windows Media Player that connects to a Roku Soundbridge with external tube DAC over a wireless connection.
It has exceeded all my expectations going into the music server world with my system for the first time.
I also use the transport section of my Denon player/recorder to the same DAC. It too sounds way better than ever with the mndt Paradisea tube DAC compared to the internal DAC. |
Cerrot/poster,
Yes, it would help to know what DAC it is in question. |
Farjamed,
In general, I do think a change in amp makes a bigger difference in sound than a change from one SS DAC alone to another.
I try a tube DAC and if that doesn't improve things enough then it may be time to consider another amp with those Gallos. |
Far,
There is no good reason to not tell us which DAC! No one is going to treat any more or less fairly than any other product that gets discussed on this site. More specific information can only help, not hurt!
Also the more I think about it, the more I'm starting to think that the Mc integrated may not be the best match for the Gallos and that could well be the bottleneck as Tvad suggested.
If true, that just means that the amp might be matched better to the speaks, a synergy issue, not that there is anything inherently wrong with either DAC or amp alone.
WHat is the Mc integrateds rated power output into 4 ohms compared to 8? I'm guessing it may not be that much higher, ie not close to double. If so, that alone could be your issue that keeps the $2000 DAC or any source from realizing full potential. |
The A3CR performs way beyond the $600 it goes for used. It is over 100 w/ch and almost doubles into 4 ohms ( exact specs available online at the MF site). I bought it a year ago half expecting to move on to something bigger immediately but it has been a bif time overachiever. It drives my big OHM f-5s with ease in a fairly big room. That tells me it will handle the Gallos as well with ease. It was also Stereophile Class A rated I think, for whatever that is worth. |
Tholt,
Tvad's interpretation of what I said and meant is correct.
At that price point (used), I think separates in general will work better. I think the build quality needed for an integrated with similar performance would make it cost more.
Not to say there may well be a very good integrated for this application at that price point. I just do not know of one off the cuff. I offered the solution that I am most confident will work for lowest cost. That's all. |
