2. digital
  3. 1259976277

Question on DACs...........

I am using a Cambridge Azur 840c CD player and may upgrade one of my amps (a Naim Nait 5 i) to the Supernait which has a DAC onboard. Do any of you know which might be the best route to go - bypassing the DAC in the Cambridge and using the one in the Supernait or simply using the one in the Cambridge as this player, while not expensive has a great reputation. That is using the DAC in a $1,500 piece of gear or the one in a $5000 piece.

Apparently there isn't a lot of difference between the 5i and the Supernait, the DAC being the big difference and if the DAC in the Supernait turns out to be much superior then I will upgrade.

Thanks a lot.

Thanks
thomastrouble

Showing 3 responses by cmalak

cmalak
681 posts
 
Any local dealers who carry the Supernait? If yes, you should be able to audition the unit at home. Don't be afraid to ask. Any dealer worth their salt should accomodate such a request. Then you can easily compare. By the way, the other difference apart from the DAC between the Nait 5i and Supernait is power rating: 50 vs 80 wpc.
cmalak
681 posts
 
Fair enough. If you can't audition it for reasons cited (which I agree with) then on the face of it, I agree with Pubul57. It sounds to me like a lateral move. What speakers are you driving in this system? Just curious as to whether you need the added 3owpc.
cmalak
681 posts
 
Thomas...if you buy the Supernait and keep the Cambridge 840 CDP than you have many options:
1) You can use the 840 as transport and use it's digital out to connect to the Supernait's DAC and have the Supernait do the digital conversion
2) You can simply use the Cambridge 840 CDP as your digital source and connect it though it's analog outputs to the Supernait's line level inputs. In this configuration, the digital conversion is done by the Cambridge CDP's DAC
3) You can also connect a music server/computer and run that through the Supernait's DAC as well in which case the computer/music server becomes the transport and the digital conversion is done by the Supernait's DAC

Hope that helps.
More to discover