2. digital
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Too many DAC decisions

Yes, I know, you just have to hold your nose and jump in the water, sooner or later. But in this case, we’re talking not chump change when investing in a venture in computer audio. I will commit to the Mac Mini, a Raid or Drobos backup, various cabling….but the dac! I’m not especially ‘digital’ literate, and cannot fathom the different sampling rates, connections (USB 2, and future 3, fire wire, I2s, thunderbolt, etc.). But my main expense will be a decent dac. I’m 200 miles away from a major metropolitan area. Even if I could get someone to send samples of dacs, setting up individual software/cabling/drivers would be beyond my means. What to consider?
Young, Weiss, Berkley, Zodiac, Invicta, Meitner, and on, and on, until next week, when a bevy of high-end dacs will appear to muddy the picture (and decision making process).
I am sure I’m am not the only one to be in this quandary; I read on this forum and others (Asylum, Computer Audio, several manufacturers web sites) similar rants but I can’t seem to see the best solution to making an informed decision. Listening to dacs in dealer’s showrooms is an artificial evaluation, compared to your home environment. Sorry for the verbosity, but I am ready to make to leap but don’t know which way to jump.
farmdoc

Showing 2 responses by farmdoc

farmdoc OP
45 posts
 
Thanks for the reaffirmation of pacing oneself, Abruce; I'll keep that in mind.

Yes, I have read Computer Audiophile on a regular basis to educate myself, and it does help me with the lingo. As far as choosing a piece of equipment, it (as well as other sites) have not been as helpful. Sure, they rate different dacs, but the reviews seem so subjective (as well they might), it is like auditioning a dac in a dealer's showroom on equipment/room far removed from your enviroment.

Ejlif, I am running a Hovland hp 100 (modded)->Bel 1001 mono's->Meadowlark Blue Heron 2's, with Audience 24e IC/Sword Supra speaker cable. Running Springs Jaco conditioner.

Appreciate the input.
farmdoc OP
45 posts
 
I, too, would be interested in David12's question re: stock Mac mini and Mach2mini.

Source: Modded Sony SCD-1->Van Alstine Ultra Dac. Yes, I am quite please with my sound from this system at present. The little known, but tube like SS Bel 1001 MkV monos' from the late Richard Brown filled out the system and kicked the ARC VT130Se and a Musical Fidelity Trivista 300 into the boxes, then to the closet. But I still would like to move to the digital world, and will; dragging one foot slowly in front of the other.
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