This question, new vs. old DAC, has been asked many times before, I suggest you search the Digital archives.
To some up all previous post, there is no 'right' choice. Some prefer the superior digital section of the newer models, and some prefer the superior analog output section of the older models. You pays your money, you makes your choices....happy hunting.
Cheers,
John |
08-31-09: Macdadtexas
I can't see any reason why an older model would have a "superior" analog section? I can't imagine that any older DAC could hold a candle to current models. The reason behind this philosophy is depreciation. Digital gear depreciates rapidly, like computers. So you are not comparing a $1K current model to a 5 year old $1K model, you are comparing a $1K current model to a $4K 5 year old model, which will sell used today for about $1K. A $4K DAC will have better materials, expecially in the analog output stage than a $1K DAC. This was true 10 years ago, 5 years ago and today. Some feel that the latest digital chips make all the difference, (such as yourself). Some feel that the newer chips are just buzz-kill for the computer generation, and that the analog output stage is the most important part of a DAC (such as myself). Remember, no one puts tubes, fancy caps or resistors in the digital to analog convertor, these premium parts go in the analog output stage. Using automobiles as an analogy, it's like choosing whether to buy a new Kia with a powerful V12 engine in it, or a older used Porsche with a V8 in it......same price for either. Each will have it's proponants. Cheers, John |
No problem with you disagreeing with me Pettyofficer, that's part of what makes this hobby fun. FWIW, your tube rectification is in the power supply section, which is also analog based, not in the digital or digital to analog conversion stage. Yes, it may supply power to that stage, but it is in the analog domain, and it supplies power to the analog output stage too.
I don't even own a DAC anymore, I gave up on digital seperates about 8 years ago when I rediscovered vinyl. I do own a highly modified cd player though. It's a $3.5K cd player with about $4K worth of mods in it, all in the power supply, input/output hardware, wiring and analog output stage (which has a dual triode tube buffer stage). It still has the same DAC's. I've owned this for a couple of years now, and I can't say that I've heard anything new from digital that would cause me to run out and spend mucho dinero on a new one.
That's just me though, whatever gets YOUR toes tapping is YOUR own personal answer.
Cheers,
John |
09-12-09: Pettyofficer
Jmcgrogan2- I am still awaiting an answer! Sorry, I don't know what you are looking for. I didn't know that you were awaiting an answer, as I still don't know what you're saying. I'm still trying to figure out how tube rectification in the power supply or DC has anything to do with different DAC chip sets, that I thought this thread was about. Better to spend your $$$ on the latest DAC chip set vs. other parts (power supply, analog output stage, etc.). How it veered to AC vs. DC is beyond my comprehension. Are you are saying that the DAC chip set is more important than the power supply or analog output section of a DAC? If so, then we just agree to disagree. If you are trying to stress the importance of a power supply or tube rectification, you are preaching to the choir. If this makes no more sense to you than your posts did to me, then I suggest we both just move on with our lives. |
If this makes no more sense to you than your posts did to me, then I suggest we both just move on with our lives.
Jmcgrogan2 Pettyofficer, I read the first line of your response, and I just thought I'd re-post from my last reply.....life's to short. Enjoy yourself. Cheers, John |
Al, it appears as if Ben is replying to Pettyofficer's 2nd post on 9/15/09. I give Ben credit if he can read through all that stuff, he's a better man than I am. I saw a wall of hieroglyphics and just gave up.
I think you cleared it up well Al, and I think it's now time to put this thread to bed. I now wish I had just bailed after my first reply.......sigh. Apologies to Mikedaniels for turning this thread into another mess. That's why I suggested to search the archives, this mess happens quite a bit with many questions, including this one.
Cheers,
John |
Thanks Ben and Al. FWIW, you are right on the money Al, that is what I meant, but it's like pissing into the wind with some folks.
It seems to me that the only excercise that Pettyofficer is getting is jumping to conclusions. ;D
Hopefully he'll switch to decaf.
Pettyofficer, I can't even read or understand what you're writing, try inserting some breaks into your tirades.
You can do this by hitting the 'Enter' key twice.....try it. Your rambling may be less tedious and could even make you look more human. I will credit you for not mis-using the CAPS LOCK key.....those posts are also very difficult to read.
Cheers,
John |
Thanks for further clarifying what I was alluding to Al. I'm glad you were able to understand my interpretation of 'power supply'. Always good to have an EE handy to straighten out miscommunications. ;D
Cheers,
John |
Bernie, in hindsight, you are correct, I should have been more specific. I did not realize that someone could misinterpret the digital to analog covertor chip to mean the power supply. Live and learn. I also agree with you on the importance of the power supply.
This is my last word on the subject too.
Cheers,
John |
Thanks Al, You read me correctly. I gave up on Pettyofficer....either English is not his first language, or he has been drinking excessively as Bill suggests.
Either way, I again apologize to Mikedaniels, and I hope he took my original suggestion to search the archives, as this thread has deteriorated into garbage. If we're all very lucky, the moderators will just delete it. Don't be afraid to ask another question though Mike, but search the archives first.
Cheers,
John |
