Opportunity to Purchase Sony DAS-703-ES DAC


I currently have a respectable analog system.  Primaluna Dialouge amp, VPI Classic Signature Turntable with a fatboy tone arm, Soundsmith Paua MK, cartridge and Focal Aria 396 floor-standing. speakers. I love the enjoyment my analog provides me!

As far as my digital is concerned, it's probably lacking.  I stream HQ Deezer from my phone to a $200 Audioengine bluetooth enabled DAC.  With that said, my current digital system is very low end for it can't hold a candle to my analog system. I'm ok with that for I don't listen to digital all that much, at least for now.

I have the opportunity to purchase a vintage circa 1985 Sony - 703 ES DAC for $175.  Is this much of an upgrade from the DAC I'm currently using.  At $175, the cost is a moot, I just don't want to waste my time if it isn't a substantial upgrade.

Does anyone out there know anything about this Sony DAC.  I've read some reviews of this DAC and it seemed to be a nice piece of equipment back in the day!  Thank you.
malatu

Showing 2 responses by malatu

I have no interest in vintage equipment, it's just that this fell in my lap an for $175. I have a friend who is a "picker".  He bought a bunch of stuff out of a house that included a Carver Pre-Amp, amp and this DAC.   In circa 1986, the DAC retailed for in and around $1,500.  I don't know anything about DACs, but what I read, Sony went above and beyond building this unit.  Maybe that's what you mean by "warhorse".

I think I'm gonna give it a go and roll the dice on it!  Could be fun!
Mea Culpa for not following up!
Yes it did, thanks for asking!Works like a champ and greatly improved my digital listening!  Though my the digital part of my system still can’t hold a candle to my analog setup and I never expected it to. My main source for digital is my android phone streaming loss-less via Deezer. Makes me appreciate how good my analog system makes me feel when I listen to it.