@soix that’s a great point, and one that didn’t occur to me right away, coming from a more common audio consumer mindset, thanks.
Which DAC - Streamer or Preamp?
I’m finally indulging my audio-curious nature and beginning to build a listening room along with a higher-end two-channel system. I managed to snag a McIntosh C-47 preamp and an MC-312 amp, both used for decent prices. For now, I’ll be listening through a pair of Klipsch Heresy (1980) back by a pair of REL T/7x in a 16x24 basement space (sadly, with a low ceiling). I also just bought an Eversolo DMP-A6. So my question is, should I run balanced lines from the Eversolo, or should I run the digital feed to the C-47 for processing? I know that the right answer is "try both and go with with you like." But I am also curious what ’should’ be better on paper, or what some of you with much more experience than I have would say. Thanks for your thoughts!
Showing 4 responses by mattsca
@ghdprentice thank you for the encouragement about the room. Yes, my intention is to get this basic stereo setup in place and then concentrate on optimizing the room as best I can with placement and acoustic treatments. After that, I can add to my system and improve the weak points over time. @soix thanks for the tip on the C-47 DAC card change. I'll do a little research to figure out what I have. I thought about jumping to the A8 right away, but its an upwardly slippery slope, and I leave room for an even bigger streamer jump in the near future. |
@soix, @audphile1, and @glennewdick , I think the DA1 vs DA2 module issue is moot for me. I have the C-47, in which the digital board is not upgradeable, as it is in the C-49 and C-55. That’s ok for me. I think that lack of upgradeability accounted for the deal I got. I assumed DAC improvements would need to come "outboard" of my preamp. You guys now have me focused on a dedicated higher-end DAC as a near term upgrade to my system. @russ69 no offense taken regarding the Heresys. I got them originally to go with a vintage setup - includes a Marantz Model 19 (which I LOVE) and a Denon DR-M30HX cassette deck. I also have pairs of B&W602 and Elac Debut 6.2 B, which I can try out as well. |
@audioman58 I appreciate the tip, and based on my initial research, yeah, for $2K I can make a big step up in DAC quality. I do like the user interface on the Eversolo, so keeping it as my streamer makes good sense when I do upgrade my DAC in the future. For now, the Eversolo DAC is also a noticeable improvement over over the DAC in the C-47, confirming what @allanblissett and @bassbuyer have recommended. @bilyeauxbrew, thanks, I've heard about such upgrades. I think I'll keep these as they are and plan on upgraded speakers in the future (and put these back with my Marantz 19). @bassbuyer, thank you for the encouragement! I have my current equipment set up now. Since my speakers are what they are for now, I'll stick with the A6 and concentrate on the space. I am happy to report that my low ceiling doesn't seem to be as big of a challenge as I expected. With decent placement and some basic foam acoustic tiles on walls, I currently have the best audio quality I've ever had in my home. My wife and son are impressed. To share one tangible example, my wife loves Idina Menzel. I think she's great too, but I've typically experienced fatigue from the brightness of her soprano voice. But my system imparts just enough warmth to allow a full appreciation of her talent - credit McIntosh. Next step is the addition of my REL subwoofers that should arrive tomorrow. |