2. digital
  3. 145833-1497

Sticking with CD's for now

Could anyone offer some help with my interest in adding an outboard DAC to my current Ayre CX7e MP digital player.
DAC would need to have aes/ebu input capability to consider it.
Trying to find improved sound via CD player for the time being with future options the DAC can provide to be considered.
Any direct experience with opinions and options would be appreciated. Price range $2000 vacinity new or used.
len067
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
Good combos are:

Transport -> Synchro-Mesh -> Reference BNC cable -> Metrum

Transport -> Synchro-Mesh -> Reference BNC cable -> Border Patrol

I would avoid any DAC that has reclocking inside on the S/PDIF input.

These will both realize the benefits of 7psec of jitter.  Customers that have these are extremely happy.

Steve N.
Empirical Audio
audioengr
3,282 posts
 
This will be your cheapest option, unless you can find one used on Audiogon:

http://www.sonore.us/microRendu.html 

Steve N.
len067 OP
23 posts
 
Appreciate the responses so far.
Just to reiterate I am interested in adding a DAC with aes/ebu input to my Ayre CD player. Any direct experience or thoughts and recommendations on a DAC that could offer improved performance will be considered.
falconquest's avatar
falconquest
1,108 posts
 
I had an Ayre C5xeMP and did exactly what you propose. I chose a Holo Audio Spring Kitsune Level 3 DAC which I see has now been upgraded.

https://kitsunehifi.com/product/springdacgreen/
The sound was fantastic. I then decided to go on a sole CD transport hunt and sold the Ayre. In hindsight I should have kept it. This DAC is an R2R ladder design, the folks at Holo Audio are very helpful. Read some of the reviews and good luck on your journey.
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