NOS DAC or CDP?

" I would avoid using optical unless you need to break ground loops."

Unfortunately, the digital output on my changer is an opitical one. Amd yes I understand that NOS DACs are senitive to jitter, but how would one determine in advance whether ones transport is "jittery"? Fact of the matter is, if I go the NOS VAC route, then I understand I'll be buying in addition to the DAC, an upgraded power cable and the optical (Toslink) connection, now if I have to add another transport, than chances are I'll go the CDP route. Basically I'm trying to work with what I got.

Btw, curious on the sound of the Benchmark DAC. I generally go for a warmer, more analog type of sound than an analytical one, of course I do have tubes in my system, so perhaps my worries are unfounded.

First of all thanks for the responds so far (and please keep them coming). First of all if I go the NOS DAC route, I would be running the DAC between the changer/transport and my amp (Jolida 502a), basically not thinking of going the computer route (call me "old fashion"). Btw, I've heard of the Valab and the Paradisea, and have been reading the various reviews and comments on those units. I also wandered over to the Pacific Valve and Audio site, to check out some their offerings.

Here's the four I'd most likely be interested in.

Pacfic Valve Fathom DAC
Giga Lab Moon DAC
Lite DAC AH
DAC AH Modified

So curious on whether anybody has an experience with these units, or even dealing with Pacific Valve and Electric and what their thoughs might be. Again, thanks.

Kijanki,

Exactly what spec do I check? Looking at my owner's manual I find this information.

"Proprietary AccuPulse Quartz System with Polysorb virtually elimates the possibility of timing errors in the in the clock oscillator"

"Wow and Flutter: Beyond the threshold of measurability"

That sounds to me that I shouldn't have a issue with "jitter" but hey, what do I know? Just trying to educate myself. Also I understand about the issues with optical cables, but if you had read my previous post then you would have clearly seen that my digital output IS an optical one. Pretty much eliminates other digital options, at least as far as using that player.

Btw, I have read some reviews on the Benchmark DAC and it does sound like a good DAC that many people would like, but I also get the feeling that it won't be delivering the sound presentation that I would be looking for, unless I willing to have the unit modded. Now is that road I would want to go down? Probably not.

Basically what you're telling me, is that for a $500 or less price point to forget about going the DAC route, especially using a NOS DAC. And it's a point well taken. Perhaps I would be better off for the money getting a used Jolida (which I had before and liked especially with a NOS 12AX7, and perhaps an upgraded "power cord") or some other simliarly price CDP unit (new/used). And as I'm the type of person who "searches for simplicity", and it appears going the DAC route might be more of a PITA than it worth, and perhaps it's something I should keep in mind.

Thanks for your comments.

" I suspect that you like warm sound that I don't care for."

Kijanki,

You're absolutely right, and I said so earlier in my intial post. Now if you don't care for that particular sound presentation that your business, to each his own.

Basically I appreciate advice that helps get's me what I'm looking for, and at a price point that I want to paid which is why I title this thread "NOS DAC or CDP?".

Straight forward information in the vein of "at the price you want to spend, and for the sound presentation you're looking for, this would be the best approach" is what I looking for here.

Now if you can help in that respect, and within the parameters I laid out in this thread, then the advise is appreciated. If not, you're not being very helpful.

Kijanki,

IF I came across as rude, it because you came across as condensending. Now IF (operative word) I do decide to go the NOS DAC route in my system, then I'll be doing so with the full knowledge that it may or may not work to my expectations, I might have jitter issues because my changer/transport is not up to par, but then again it might perform to my satisfaction. Truth is, that the way it is with audio gear, sometimes what you think should work well together, DOESN'T, and other times what you think shouldm't work well together, ends up working much better than expected. Why that happen, who knows? But as they say, you never know till you try.

Bottom line, IF (there's that word again) I go the NOS DAC route (btw, your comment "your mind was already set before you asked the question" is purely an erroneous assumption on your part as I'm considering various difference options) and things work out, I'll be happy (at least for while). But if they don't then I certainly can sell the NOS DAC on Audiogon and get most of my money back, and try another approach.

You know it's something that people do on Audiogon every day.

Clio09,

Thanks for the "heads up" about pairing a NOS DAC with the Monarchy DIP. Sounds like an affordable way of dealing with a possibe jitter issue. Also I'll do some more research on the Valab DAC. I read a few things about it, and most of it positive. Btw, do they have a distributor in the United States?

"Cleanedup- You've obviously stumbled into a controversial area."

Without a doubt, and both sides make good points in supporting their arguments on which types of DACs are best at doing the digital to analog conversion. As such I'm still in the research mode, and still "on the fence" on whether or not, to add a NOS DAC, and possible jitter control device, or else go with CDP that gives me the "sonic presentation" that I'm looking for. It appears either way, I'll be spending about the same amount of money, and probably be achieving somewhat a similiar result. Btw, thanks for mentioning your Arcam Alpha 9, might have to look into what Arcam has to offer.