Outboard Dac's...Do they make a big difference?

Trumpetbri, thanks for the follow up post. So often, people ask for help and then don't tell us what they did.

BTW, are you a trumpeter? Given your handle, I thought that you might be. I sponsor the Rocky Mountain Trumpet Fest and play with several regional orchestras and bands around Denver.

Dave

Goatwuss said:
"Just busting ya man. I'll bet those VAs sound pretty decent as is"

I suspected as much. Yes, I love the VAs and plan to stay within that family when I "move up."

Dave

I'd say yes, but with reservation. I don't know any of the three DACs mentioned. I've used PS Audio in the past with good results and I've heard Mac digital in other contexts and your description of it tending to smooth and sweet doesn't surprise me.

A good external DAC/clock combination (one box or two) can certainly improve on what you've got, but it depends on what you've got and what you're going to. If at all possible, try the proposed DAC in your system, using the Mac's Digital Out. There are much, much better DACs than the two listed.

Dave

Muralman1, I wish my Lambda transport hadn't crapped out. I'd be real curious to hear it with my Playback Designs DAC. Oh well...

Dave

I know that with some effort that I could rehab the Lambda. It's a little frustrating that PS is about 30-miles away, but they have no interest in some fairly simple repairs. The parts are the issue, as you indicate.

Anyway, I already did the bank withdrawal for the replacement. ;-)

Dave

Goatwuss, thanks for looking. ;-)

I DO want to build a large room, but the economy put those plans on hold (my income dropped 60% over 2008). Still, I have great sound, with lots of dynamics, good bass, great imaging and very nice upper mids, but all on a smaller scale than I optimally desire.

I DO get to hear lots of larger systems and I'm comfortable that I'm not missing a ton, particularly of those things most important to me (dynamics and accurate midrange). I'll get all the way there one day...

Dave

Hey Bri. Yeah, you sound great. It's great that your keeping it up and a high level. I was never that good, but have lots of fun playing around town and hearing great players.

Dave