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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 6 responses by thomastrouble

thomastrouble OP
239 posts
 
Thanks a lot Hifitime. Now, when you say "A/B" them, do you mean to compare the sound quality? If so, the problem would be I would have already bought the Supernait in order to try this. However, I may be able to find a retail store that has both items and test them there.
thomastrouble OP
239 posts
 
Thanks for the answers so far guys.

To Pubul157 - I hear what you are saying. I like the simplicity of the integrated approach and the portability (I live away from home for a good part of the year) but I am looking for more audio quality and a little more power than what I have at present. The system is a second system.

Thanks too for the input Cmalak. I wouldn't be in a position to ask a dealer to take the gear home because I know I would likely buy it off Audiogon, I would feel bad enough going to the store to listen knowing I probably wouldn't be buying from them.
thomastrouble OP
239 posts
 
I have a pair of Dali Ikon 7s which need very little power and I also have Maggie 1.6, which surprisingly enough I was running off the Naim Nait51 (50 w per channel) and they worked ok but light up much more with more power. Right now (last day or two) I have been considering the Simaudio i7 at 150w and it has had very good reviews. I have speakers outside the country and can get away with putting integrated into my bags but no way could I get away with heavy separates....and since discovering higher end audio the Ipod and Bose don't cut it any more these days (he he).
thomastrouble OP
239 posts
 
Great info Kbarkamian - thankyou.

In TAS the review on the Cambridge Azur 840c ($1,500) the reviewer states that you would need to spend $6000 to get a CD player that sounds as good as this. It sounds great to me, but then again I have never had something to compare it to. If that really is the case the DAC in the Supernait may not sound so impressive to me. Well, I guess it is all the exploring and possible happy surprises that makes this a great hobby. I have compared the Nait5i with some expensive separates and it really does get you most of the way there at a fraction of the price - a truly great piece of gear for the price.
thomastrouble OP
239 posts
 
To Pubul57 - I was simply going to use the Supernait as the amp and the 840 as the source. Am I missing something? Possible as I am pretty new to audio. Does this make sense?
thomastrouble OP
239 posts
 
Cmalak - thanks for the great suggestions on the DACs - I can always rely on you as a great source of knowledge!!
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